FIELD RESEARCH ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF ETHNIC MINORITIES CONDUCTED IN LAO CAI

From September 5 to 13, 2023, a joint research venture was undertaken in Lao Cai Province. The field research was a collaboration between the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies (CVSEAS) and Waseda University, with the aim of studying the issue of human trafficking of ethnic minorities.

The research team included Dr. Tran Dinh Lam, Director of International Cooperation Program at CVSEAS; Prof. Koji Domon, Senior Researcher at Waseda University; Dr. Shimazaki Yuko, Researcher at Waseda University; and Ms. Chao Thi Yen who served as the team's interpreter.

During the course of the field research, the team engaged in extensive discussions with local authorities of Lao Cai Province. The team was welcomed by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh, Head of Crime Prevention at the Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs of Lao Cai City; Mr. Nguyen Binh Phong, Deputy Head of Kim Thanh Border Guard; Mr. Le van Ha, Vice Chairman of Ban Phiet People’s Committee, and many more. The discussions allowed the researchers to have a comprehensive view of the socio-cultural dynamics of the region and the prevalent issue of human trafficking with a particular emphasis on the ethnic minorities who are disproportionately affected by this crime.

The research team at the People’s Committee of Lao Cai City.

The research team with Mr. Le Van Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ban Phiet People’s Committee.

A significant part of the research involved conducting interviews with victims of human trafficking. These interviews provided firsthand accounts of the victims' experiences, revealing the harsh realities and complexities of human trafficking. The majority of the victims are women of ethnic minority background. They are often subjected to physical and sexual violence, forced labor, and exploitation. They are often kept in situations where they have little or no control over their lives. Additionally, victims of human trafficking often face significant barriers to accessing the services they need. These can include a lack of knowledge about their rights, fear of retribution from traffickers, and cultural and linguistic barriers that make it difficult for them to communicate their experiences and seek help. With this in mind, the research team had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Nguyen Tuong Long, Director of Lao Cai Compassion House, a reintegration shelter for human trafficking victims. The team's discussion with Mr. Long revealed the extensive support provided to the survivors. This includes emotional support, vocational training, academic support, health care, life skills development, and reproductive health awareness for female human trafficking victims.

This joint venture represents an important step in understanding and addressing the issue of human trafficking in Vietnamese ethnic minorities. The findings from this research will serve as a valuable resource for policy-makers, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders involved in combating human trafficking in Lao Cai Province and other vulnerable regions.

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