Despite being a rapidly developing country, trafficking and slavery are real issues in Vietnam, especially among poorer and less well educated communities. For 15 years Hagar have been working in the country with survivors and to enact significant change to work towards the goal of communities free of these awful realities.

Why Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of South East Asia’s fastest developing countries, yet it remains a significant source country for women, men, and children who are subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour. Women are trafficked as brides to neighbouring countries, as well as further afield, with incidents of trafficking that reach as far as Europe. Domestic violence is widespread, and nearly 60% of married women have suffered from physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime.

Despite a distance of over 6000 miles, Vietnamese trafficking victims end up in the UK. Some are forced into brothels and prostitution, while others are forced into labour such as domestic servitude or drug farms.

You can read the story of one Vietnamese boy’s experience here. (This links to the BBC news website)

What are Hagar Vietnam doing to help?

The Whole Journey

Hagar Vietnam, support women and their children who have fled from severe domestic violence and human trafficking. They support them through the whole journey of recovery, including trauma counselling, education, vocational training, and job placement while they are living in safe accommodation in the community. Once a survivor can be reintegrated into their community, they work with the individual to make sure they are able to support themselves and their family with a regular income. They also work with the community to ensure safe reintegration.

Prevention and Influence Work

Hagar Vietnam work on a local, national and international level to try and combat human trafficking and modern day slavery. They are working hard for real change to ensure that no one finds themselves being abused.

On a national level, they have developed strong partnerships, including with the Yen Bai Women’s Union in to build their capacity to prevent trafficking and protect survivors in Northern Vietnam.

Hagar are also invited to speak at a national and international level. In May 2022, the Vietnam team were invited to speak with the Government of Vietnam and the US Embassy about trafficking in the country and some of the challenges they face in their prevention work.

Learn more about how our work in Vietnam is changing lives.

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