COMMIT’s 14th SOM takes place in Hanoi

The 14th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Against Trafficking (COMMIT) took place on December 16 in Hanoi.
Delegates at the event.
Delegates at the event. 

The event saw the presence of Major General Tran Ngoc Ha, Director of the Criminal Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative in Vietnam, representatives from the COMMIT member countries including: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and China.

According to reports at the meeting, the COMMIT has supported all member countries, including Vietnam, to develop and implement human trafficking prevention programs; facilitated member countries’ building of the law on human trafficking prevention and combat; assisted each member country in organizing interdisciplinary training courses on human trafficking prevention and control for responsible officials at all levels; and created favorable conditions for all member countries to draft and sign bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the prevention of trafficking in persons.

Addressing the event, Major General Tran Ngoc Ha noted the importance of close, active and effective international cooperation, especially cooperation among the Sub-Mekong region countries, in preventing and combating human trafficking, given the complicated developments in the human trafficking situation in recent years.

Ms. Caitlin Wiesen appreciated the efforts of COMMIT member governments in the long-run fight against human trafficking. Since 2004, via the COMMIT, member countries have shown their commitment to fight against human trafficking, Wiesen emphasized. The UNDP commits to working closely with other countries in implementing  objectives, programs and plans to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Delegates at the meeting also discussed the results achieved in the implementation of COMMIT’s action plan in 2019 as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human trafficking and the responses of member countries to the situations.

They also shared experience in organizing forums on human trafficking for international organizations, non-governmental organizations and youths as well as lessons from their human trafficking prevention and combat. Delegates underlined the sustainability of the COMMIT process so as to respond effectively to ending trafficking in persons.

By DT

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.