Dear Madam Chairperson and honoured participants,

On behalf of the International Labour Office, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Mekong Women’s Forum.

Women’s Solidarity and Empowerment are close to my heart, - as a woman, as a professional and as a United Nations official - because they are key to sustainable development and peace.

We are here today at this Forum to share our knowledge about successes and lessons in our on-going fight to end the crime of human trafficking. Trafficking in women and children causes untold misery, cutting short lives and leaving countless of women and children in pain and fear in many countries of the world. The trafficking of human beings is one of the worst forms of crime– especially against women and children. It stands as a clear case of the blatant violation of the most fundamental human rights to safety, security and physical integrity.

Why do the abuses continue? Why do young girls still end up working in the homes of others where they are sometimes abused, not paid a salary, and afraid to go for help? Why are young women still tricked into sexual exploitation within their own countries and across borders? Why are employers who exploit vulnerable migrants allowed to go unpunished?

Poverty and gender discrimination are part of the same coin, they reinforce and perpetuate one another in a vicious cause and effect cycle. And those that exploit children and women do so, because they think they can get away with it – and too often they do.

We need to break this cycle of poverty, discrimination and exploitation by addressing the root causes. Equality between men and women and decent work for all are prerequisites for ending poverty and achieving sustainable economic and social development and peace.

Government leadership and action is essential and critical to achieve our goals. We need to see more rapid and uncompromising responses in all societies where trafficking and the related slavery are found.

But the work against human trafficking and discrimination cannot rest solely in the hands of government. Taking action against crime cannot simply be the responsibility of the police. It is equally the responsibility of societies, of citizens themselves, and that of ordinary men, women and children, to stand up and claim the rights they own, and to demand that governments, societies and citizens also take action.

This is where the voices of women and their organizations matter. Who else than the women who have courageously campaigned for their rights leading to the numerous declarations? Women and their organizations are playing a crucial role to empower these young women who have been less fortunate in life.

In our ILO experience in working with you here in the Mekong Sub-region, we have been impressed by your leadership skills in fighting human trafficking – especially as it relates to women and children. You have shown your resourcefulness in providing shelter, support and advice to young migrant women in all Mekong countries represented here.

Based on these solid achievements, this meeting highlights the contributions of the women and their organizations in the work against human trafficking. In raising awareness, organizing women and young girls, providing channels for economic and social support, access to training and education, women’s organizations are making the difference. You are making the difference by speaking out for vulnerable women and showing the example of how groups of women, acting together, in solidarity and in common understanding, can translate societal commitments into real action.

But if these contributions are to lead to long term sustainable change, we need partnerships and alliances - with workers organizations, who act for social justice, with socially responsible businesses – and together with governments.

We are gathered here united in a common cause. This occasion for stocktaking and reflection in the city of Hanoi replenishes our strength and courage to pursue the challenges ahead - tapping into the potential of each and every one of us – women and men, children, youth and adults.

I’d like to thank the Viet Nam Women’s Union, the organizers, and all of you for your commitment and contribution to our common cause – the elimination of human trafficking in the Mekong sub-region. I wish you a very successful forum indeed.

Thank you.