Vietnam has zero tolerance for crimes related to wildlife.

The press conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the General Department of Customs of Vietnam, 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 crimes and discussed how Vietnam's criminal justice system has been combating this type of crime.

Overview of the event

June 5th is celebrated annually as World Environment Day, a day that 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 broader impacts of wildlife crime, specifically its destructive effects on law and social stability, and to support Vietnam's current law enforcement efforts in addressing this issue. The press conference was held within the framework of UNODC's global program to combat wildlife crime.

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

Ms. Pratibha Mehta, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, affirmed that “Illegal wildlife trafficking is driving species to the brink of extinction, while posing environmental, economic, developmental, and security risks.” She added, “This is an extremely critical issue not only for Vietnam, but globally, and the United Nations in Vietnam strongly supports the call for zero tolerance for wildlife crimes.”

Illegal hunting, trafficking, trading, and consumption of wildlife is a pressing and growing problem affecting a wide range of mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, amphibians, and many of these species are globally threatened. Wildlife crime is a multi-billion dollar global industry, and organized crime is driving many species to extinction and destroying natural resources at an unprecedented rate.

Vietnam is gradually fulfilling its commitment to combating wildlife crimes, including increasing the seizure of illegally sourced wildlife products. Between 2010 and 2015, customs authorities seized approximately 55,200 kg of pangolins, 18,000 kg of ivory, and over 235 kg of rhinoceros horns from illegal shipments; this included the largest seizure ever at Tien Sa port in Da Nang last year, involving over 3 tons of ivory, 120 kg of rhinoceros horns, and 4 tons of pangolin scales hidden in three shipments.

The 13th National Assembly in 2015 passed the amended Penal Code, strengthening and increasing penalties for crimes violating wildlife protection laws; and in November 2016, Vietnam will host the International Conference on Wildlife Trade – a crucial event demonstrating the international community's efforts to take stronger action against crimes violating wildlife protection laws.

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

Mr. Chris Batt, UNODC Office Manager in Vietnam, Regional Advisor on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing for UNODC

Chris Batt, Regional Advisor on Anti-Money Laundering and Manager of the UNODC Office in Vietnam, affirmed that “Wildlife crimes are serious transnational crimes that require a more urgent law enforcement response.” He further emphasized, “Vietnam’s ongoing efforts benefit from inter-agency investigations, the use of anti-money laundering and financial intelligence systems to map and neutralize trafficking networks, enhanced capacity building for law enforcement officers to address illicit trafficking at Vietnam’s borders and entry points, and maximizing the use of increased penalties to deter wildlife crimes.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien - Deputy Head of the Planning Department, Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department (General Department of Customs) delivered a speech.

“To enhance the effectiveness of crime prevention and control against violations of regulations on the protection of rare and endangered wildlife in the coming time, the Public Security forces will resolutely and effectively implement the provisions of the 2015 Penal Code related to wildlife trafficking crimes. At the same time, we will closely coordinate with functional forces such as Customs, Border Guard, Market Management, Coast Guard… and police forces of other countries and international organizations working to protect wildlife; and strengthen the exchange of information and experience in combating this type of crime,” said Lieutenant General Tran Van Ve, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Police, Ministry of Public Security.

Finally, Chris Batt called on everyone to join hands in stopping the growing problem of wildlife trafficking. “Each of us has a role to play in this fight, from lawmakers, police officers, customs officials, prosecutors and judges, businesspeople to individual citizens. We must raise awareness that wildlife crimes affect everyone and that none of us will tolerate them. It’s time to take wildlife crimes seriously before it’s too late.”

The Thanh