“Dear young friends, you may not know, and we have never met, but we have a message to share with you…” 

Foreign experts and diplomats send messages of care to Vietnamese young people. Photos: IOM

It’s the way foreign diplomats and experts began their message on the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons (July 30) 2024.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Chief of Mission in Vietnam, Ambassadors from Australia, the European Union, the UK, and the US, and a Counsellor from Canada have delivered a joint letter to Vietnamese youths in which they call for more investment in youth education to empower them with knowledge and skills. 

Foreign experts and diplomats put Vietnamese children at the center of efforts against human trafficking.

Inspired by the letter of President Ho Chi Minh to the youth, the joint letter hopes to help the youth fully unleash their endless power to confront immediate threats of human trafficking and encourage them to lead a global movement for transformative change.   

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski warned that “Trafficking in persons can happen to anyone. Boys and girls are all equally vulnerable to being traffickable.” 

IOM Chief of Mission in Vietnam Park Mi-Hyung.

IOM Chief of Mission in Vietnam Park Mi-Hyung said: “Let us join hands with you in this fight against trafficking in persons.” 

Leigh McCumber, Counsellor, Political and Public Affairs, the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam.

Echoing Park, Leigh McCumber, Counsellor, Political and Public Affairs, the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam, said: “We have come together to unite our efforts to support you and work with you to stop human trafficking.” 

Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam, advised: “Make informed choices. Let your wisdom show.”

Julien Guerrier, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam.

Sharing the same view, Julien Guerrier, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam: “Don’t give up school to be able to follow your dreams!” 

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, however, gave lovely words: “Dear young friend, you are the changemaker!”

Helpful messages to young people

Given the dominant number of young people, there’s a global call for investment in youth education and equipping young changemakers with skills to combat trafficking in persons in the digital age.

Today, there are more young people in the world than ever. With nearly 2.4 billion, this is the largest generation in history. Of the 281 million international migrants, approximately 11.3% were below 24 years of age. In Vietnam, there are over 22 million young people between the ages of 16 and 30, and many have considered moving out of their hometowns for better work and study opportunities.

Nevertheless, youth face a dual-edged reality in the fight against trafficking in persons. As digital natives, the youth are increasingly vulnerable to traffickers who exploit online platforms to prey on young individuals.

However, this same generation holds the power to drive significant changes. Their dynamism, creativity, and tech-savviness uniquely position them to develop innovative solutions to combat trafficking in the digital age.  

This is also a chance to shine a spotlight on children – who represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls affected most of all. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), an average of one in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child – although in some regions, the proportion is much higher – and children are twice as likely as adults to face violence while being trafficked.

IOM’s research also shows that no age group, gender, or nationality is immune. Family members or friends are involved in more than 50% of cases. And ever-evolving online platforms are making it easier for traffickers to exploit children while avoiding detection.

On this occasion, the foreign experts and diplomats have delivered helpful messages that will matter a lot to young people.

Leigh McCumber said it’s concerning that one in three victims of human trafficking is a child.

Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski alerted that victims of human trafficking can be recruited in their own hometowns, even within their own homes.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier, meanwhile, highlighted the role of education. “Gaining skills and knowledge does empower you and enable you to think with a critical mind. It does protect yourself from those with harmful intentions.” He pointed out that statistics show that children without access to education are 23 times more likely to be trafficked compared to those who have higher education.

Ambassador Marc Knapper expressed that: “While social media is a powerful tool, there are risks from people who try to take advantage of children and online spaces… And I don’t want that to happen to you.”

Ambassador Iain Frew advised that when someone offers you an opportunity that sounds too good to be true, do not immediately jump at it. It’s likely not real. Take a moment and ask yourself: Is it really that easy? Is it worth risking everything for false promises?

Park Mi-Hyung affirmed that trafficking in person is a complex issue and we have yet to effectively address this challenge, especially when it comes to child trafficking. “But this must change and we’re here to join hands with you in this fight.”