Vietnam has zero tolerance for wildlife crimes

The press conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme People’s Procuracy and the General Department of Vietnam Customs, along with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Senior officials from the three Vietnamese law enforcement agencies and representatives from the international community all responded to the call for Zero Tolerance for Wildlife Crime and discussed how the Vietnamese criminal justice system has been combating this type of crime.

Overview of the event

June 5 is designated as World Environment Day, and this day helps countries around the world raise awareness of specific environmental challenges. This year's World Environment Day focuses on the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. UNODC held a press conference to highlight the wider impacts of wildlife crime, in particular its devastating impact on the rule of law and social stability, and to support Viet Nam's ongoing law enforcement efforts in tackling the problem. The press conference was held within the framework of UNODC's Global Wildlife and Forest Crime Programme.

Ms. Pratibha Mehta, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, speaking at the event

“Illegal wildlife trade is driving species to the brink of extinction and poses environmental, economic, development and security risks,” said Ms. Pratibha Mehta, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam. “This is an extremely urgent issue not only for Viet Nam, but also globally, and the United Nations in Viet Nam strongly supports the call for Zero Tolerance for Wildlife Crime,” she added.

Illegal hunting, transport, trade and consumption of wildlife is a pressing issue that increasingly affects a wide range of mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and amphibians, many of which are globally threatened. Wildlife crime is a multi-billion dollar global trade and organised crime is driving species to extinction and destroying natural resources at an unprecedented rate.

Vietnam is taking steps to implement its commitment to combating wildlife crime, including increasing seizures of illegal wildlife products. Between 2010 and 2015, customs authorities seized approximately 55,200 kg of pangolins, 18,000 kg of ivory, and more than 235 kg of rhino horn from illegal shipments; including the largest-ever seizure at Tien Sa port in Da Nang last year, which contained more than 3 tons of ivory, 120 kg of rhino horn, and 4 tons of pangolin scales hidden in three shipments.

The 13th National Assembly in 2015 passed the revised Penal Code with strengthened provisions and increased penalties for wildlife crime; and in November 2016, Vietnam will host the International Conference on Wildlife Trade - an extremely important event to demonstrate the international community's efforts to take stronger action against wildlife crime.

However, the UNODC also noted that much remains to be done despite Viet Nam’s efforts to improve legislation, strengthen enforcement, and reduce demand for wildlife. To date, only a few wildlife crime cases have been successfully prosecuted in Viet Nam’s courts due to challenges such as inadequate evidence preparation and presentation, legal loopholes, and weak legal systems.

Mr. Chris Batt, Manager of UNODC Office in Vietnam, UNODC Regional Advisor on Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing

“Wildlife crime is a serious transnational crime that requires a more urgent law enforcement response,” said Chris Batt, Regional Advisor on Money Laundering and Manager of the UNODC Office in Viet Nam. “Viet Nam’s further efforts will benefit from multi-agency investigations, the use of anti-money laundering and financial intelligence systems to map and disrupt trafficking networks, the capacity of law enforcement officers to tackle illegal trade at the borders and points of entry into Viet Nam, and the full use of increased penalties to deter wildlife crime.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien - Deputy Head of Staff, Anti-smuggling Investigation Department (General Department of Customs) spoke

“In order to enhance the effectiveness of activities to prevent and combat crimes violating regulations on the protection of rare wild animals and plants in the coming time, the Public Security force will resolutely and effectively implement the provisions of the 2015 Penal Code related to crimes of trafficking in wild animals and plants. At the same time, closely coordinate with functional forces such as Customs, Border Guard, Market Management, Coast Guard... and police forces of other countries and international organizations operating in the protection of wild animals and plants; increase the exchange of information and experience in the fight against this type of crime,” said Lieutenant General Tran Van Ve, Deputy Director General, General Department of Police, Ministry of Public Security.

Finally, Mr. Chris Batt called on everyone to join hands to stop the growing tide of wildlife trafficking. “Each of us has a role to play in this fight, from law enforcement officers, police, customs officers, prosecutors and judges, business people to individual citizens. We must raise awareness that wildlife crime is a crime that affects everyone and that none of us will tolerate it. It is time to take wildlife crime seriously before it is too late.”

The Thanh