From Criminal Suppression to Victim-Centred Protection: Vietnam's Legal Response to Trafficking in Women and Children in a Comparative ASEAN Perspective

Abstract

This article examines Vietnam's legislative transition from traditional criminal suppression to a victim-centred protection paradigm regarding the trafficking of women and children. Utilizing a normative-juridical and comparative statutory methodology, the study analyzes domestic legal reforms—such as the codification of the non-punishment principle and expanded survivor safeguards—against the backdrop of regional frameworks within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The findings indicate that while Vietnam has made substantial progress in harmonizing its internal laws with international human rights standards, practical implementation across transnational borders continues to face administrative and structural challenges. Ultimately, achieving sustainable human security requires member states to transcend symbolic compliance and foster robust regional cooperation centered on survivor welfare.