Vietnam March Update

Department of Foreign Affairs visit

In March 2023, Hagar Vietnam visited the Department of Foreign Affairs of Quang Binh Province to learn more about the local context and introduce Hagar’s mission and programs. The meeting was attended by representatives from other departments, including the Department of Labour, Invalids & Social Affairs, the Provincial Women’s Union, and the Quang Binh Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations. Through open discussions, both parties gained a clearer understanding of each other’s needs and expectations, paving the way for a fruitful partnership for Hagar Vietnam to work in Quang Binh in the future.

During the visit, the delegation also conducted field surveys and met with representatives of the local authorities in Bao Ninh and Quang Phu communes to understand the key development challenges and explore potential areas of cooperation in the future. This visit provided an opportunity for both sides to understand the challenges and opportunities in raising awareness about human trafficking, gender-based violence, and abuse within the local community, particularly among local students. Hagar Vietnam is committed to being a trusted and long-term partner in this effort.

After the visit, Hagar confirmed the Department of Labour, Invalids & Social Affairs as its main partner to implement “The Whole Journey” program, its comprehensive model to support survivors of human trafficking and abuse, for the period 2023–2026.

MoU with Department of Foreign Affairs

On March 27, 2023, Hagar Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lao Cai Province’s Department of Foreign Affairs at a signing ceremony in Lao Cai City. This occurred within the framework of the 2023 International Friendship Exchange program organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO).

The event marked the first cooperation between Hagar Vietnam and Lao Cai provincial governments in coordinating activities together to prevent gender-based violence, abuse, and human trafficking, as well as support local communities to raise awareness and reduce community economic vulnerability. Lao Cai has particular vulnerabilities to human trafficking given that it is a border province, and Hagar is committed to bringing its skills and experience to assist the province.

“The Whole Journey” project, Hagar’s comprehensive model of survivor services, is expected to be implemented from 2023–2026 in Lao Cai, aiming to reduce the risk of violence, abuse, and human trafficking and support vulnerable women and girls in ethnic minority areas in Northern Vietnam.

Gender-based violence project launch

In March, Hagar Vietnam, the Yen Bai Provincial Women’s Union, and related government departments launched the project “Reducing Gender-Based Violence in Ethnic Minority Areas in Northern Vietnam” at a workshop held in Van Yen, Vietnam. The project funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) aims to raise awareness and understanding of violence prevention among beneficiaries through peer groups and provide appropriate support to improve the livelihood skills of survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable people to reduce their vulnerability.

Over 35 delegates attended the workshop, which introduced the project plan and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. Participants included representatives from authorities at all levels in Van Yen, as well as related departments from the four project-site communes of Dong An, Quang Minh, Chau Que Ha, and Cha Que Thuong.

During the event, the leader of Dong An commune highlighted that “gender-based violence persists and affects not only women but also children and men in the country.  While the number of reported violence cases has decreased, communication and education on violence prevention still need to be strengthened, especially within the ethnic minority community,” he said.

Hagar Vietnam and the Women’s Union of Yen Bai Province also provided training courses on “Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting” and “Basic Understanding of Trauma” to 23 local officials from the core team implementing the project. The trainees were equipped with knowledge about trauma and received practical training on monitoring and coordination activities to achieve the project’s goals.

All participants could then provide trauma-informed care services and successfully resolve problems that commonly arise when working with survivors of violence. Most participants demonstrated their problem-solving capabilities, and others showed innovative problem-solving skills.