Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Victims of human trafficking who areuninsured will be granted health insurance cards free of charge.

Incase they are seriously ill, the cost of medical examination and treatment atthe medical facilities will be exercised in line with health insurance regulations.

Theseproposals are part of a draft decree initiated by the Ministry of Labour,Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) which details the execution of somearticles of the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat. It aims ataddressing inadequacies in assisting the victims.

Thedecree said people who will get support are Vietnamese citizens, statelesspeople permanently residing in Vietnam, foreigners being trafficking in Vietnam,and those who are waiting for verification as victims as prescribed inArticles 24 and 25 of the laws and under legal age who accompany with thevictims.

Duringtheir stay at social protection establishments, survivors oftrafficking are supposed to be provided with support for essential needsincluding meals and other items for personal hygiene in accordance with theState regulations on social support policies for those residing in socialprotection centres.

Incase the victim dies, the social protection establishment will be responsiblefor organising a funeral if their relatives have not arrived in time (24hours after competent agencies confirm the death) or are unable to doso, according to the draft decree.

Thevictims are counseled during their stay at social protection establishments.For juvenile victims, the establishments are supposed to be responsible forassessing the safety of the victims before they return them to theirfamily or their residence.

Inaddition, Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs offices at localities, the policeand border guards are assigned to ensure the safety of the survivors oftrafficking in case of need.

DeputyMinister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha, head of thecompiling committee, said positive results have been made after 10 years ofimplementing the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat.

However,she said, problems have arisen during the reception and supporting of thevictims.

“Returnedvictims of trafficking are usually from disadvantaged families andhave poor education. Their emotional state is not stable,” she said at ameeting on the draft decree which was held in late June.

Inmany cases, the victims were rescued or returned by themselves without personalpapers and they failed to inform local authorities.

Asa result, it was very difficult for competent agencies in verification,accessing the victims and assisting them, Ha said.

Thefact that foreign agencies do not provide the exact date poses challengefor Border Guards and Police in receiving and providing initial support for thevictims. Lack of adequate facilities was also a problem.

Hasaid the compiling of the decree was necessary to ensure that human traffickingvictims receive comprehensive support and can reintegrate into the communityin a sustainable manner./.