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| Staff from the northern province of Lao Cai’s Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs launch a dissemination campaign to raise awareness on human trafficking for local people__Photo: plo.vn |
Taking effect as of July 1 this year, the 2024 Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat is expected to improve the legal framework for combating human trafficking.
Compared to the 2011 version, the new Law, with 63 articles arranged in eight chapters, increases the subjects entitled to protection, including victims, people undergoing verification to be considered victims, victim-accompanying persons who are under 18 years old; relatives of victims or people undergoing verification to be considered victims; and individuals participating in human trafficking prevention and combat activities or supporting victims.
In addition, to meet practical requirements and conform to treaties to which Vietnam is a contracting party, the Law adds several important principles of human trafficking prevention and combat.
Specifically, the lawful rights and interests of victims and people undergoing verification to be considered victims will be respected and protected, regarding these people as the center, and ensuring gender equality.
The Law also states that victims and people undergoing verification to be considered victims may use a language understandable for them and receive support in conformity with their beliefs, religions, age, gender, health status, and personal characteristics.
Worthy of note, depending on each specific case and relevant regulations, victims who commit illegal acts as a direct consequence of human trafficking may be exempt from administrative handling or criminal prosecution for such acts.- (VLLF)
