London,
The United Kingdom and Vietnam have strengthened their commitment to tackling human trafficking with a new joint action plan, signed yesterday at the Border Security Summit on Organised Immigration Crime in London.
The agreement was signed by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Vietnam’s Minister for Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang. It builds on a 2018 memorandum of understanding between the two nations and aims to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and prevent dangerous migration routes.
A United Front Against Trafficking
The joint action plan focuses on:
• Discouraging dangerous journeys that put migrants at risk.
• Enhancing intelligence sharing between UK and Vietnamese authorities.
• Coordinating efforts to dismantle trafficking gangs operating in both countries.
“Human trafficking is a barbaric crime that exploits and dehumanises its victims,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. “This government is using every lever to identify victims, safeguard survivors, and punish their abusers.”
She added: “Together with the Government of Vietnam, we are working to shut down these vile trafficking gangs and prevent more people from becoming their victims.”
Funding and Impact
The Home Office Modern Slavery Fund will provide up to £1 million over the next year to support the action plan. Since 2018, the UK has invested over £7 million in Vietnam’s anti-trafficking efforts, resulting in:
• 720 trafficking victims and vulnerable migrants identified.
• Over 7 million people reached through awareness campaigns.
• 1,936 aspiring migrants educated on the risks of trafficking.
This renewed partnership between the UK and Vietnam marks a major step forward in dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
