Working delegations of Lào Cai Province and US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc Knapper discuss human trafficking combat on Tuesday. VNA/VNS Photo Quốc Khánh

LÀO CAI — Lào Cai officials and US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc Knapper have discussed Việt Nam’s anti-human trafficking drive during the US diplomat’s recent visit to the northern province.

During a working session on Tuesday, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Trịnh Xuân Trường said, at present, the provincial Social Work Centre and Compassion House are providing reintegration support for human trafficking victims in line with the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat.

He wished that both sides would hold seminars and conferences with the participation of investigation officers to share experiences in anti-human trafficking. He also called on the US’ non-governmental organisations to help trafficking victims reintegrate into the community sustainably.

Knapper, for his part, expressed delight at achievements and efforts made by Lào Cai as well as the US Government in the fight against human trafficking in Việt Nam.

On the afternoon of the same day, Knapper attended a discussion on supporting human trafficking victims within the framework of the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The project aims to help the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs’ Department of Social Vices Prevention and Combat, departments and agencies perform the Government’s priorities in human trafficking prevention and control from July 2021 to September 2023, toward supporting victims and those at high risk of becoming victims.

Lào Cai is one of the 25 localities to sign a cooperation mechanism to support human trafficking victims.

Also the same day, the US Ambassador visited the Compassion House under the management of the provincial Social Vices Prevention and Combat Sub-Department.

Founded in 2010, the Compassion House has received and helped 320 female victims who were lured and sold across the border. The US’ Pacific Links Foundation funds its operation. — VNS