Circular No. 08/LDTBXH-TT guiding the implementation of Resolution No. 05-CP dated January 29, 1993 on preventing and combating prostitution and Resolution No. 06-CP dated January 29, 1993 on preventing and controlling narcotics.

CIRCULAR

OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOR, INVALIDS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Guidelines for implementing Resolution 05/CP dated January 29, 1993 on preventing and combating prostitution and Resolution 06-CP dated January 29, 1993 on preventing and controlling narcotics
Based on Point 4 of Resolution 05-CP and Point 3 of Resolution 06/CP regarding the allocation of responsibilities in preventing prostitution and narcotics, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs provides guidance on the implementation of tasks within the scope of responsibility of the sector as follows:

I - GENERAL DIRECTION

Prostitution and drug addiction are complex social issues that require a comprehensive approach involving economic and social measures, prioritizing prevention, restoration of dignity, and support to help individuals overcome difficulties, while not neglecting administrative enforcement measures.

Organizing medical treatment, vocational training, and job creation for prostitutes, organizing detoxification programs, and addressing social issues after detoxification are key components of the program to prevent and combat prostitution and drug addiction; detoxification programs must be tailored to local economic and social conditions and customs, particularly in mountainous areas and regions with ethnic minorities.

Prostitution and drug addiction must be prevented and addressed at the community and grassroots level, combining efforts with mass organizations and the public to promote self-awareness among individuals, while actively coordinating closely with relevant sectors through inter-sectoral programs and annual plans to implement regular and ongoing measures.

II - SPECIFIC MEASURES

1. Conduct surveys to thoroughly understand the situation of prostitution and drug addiction in each locality to serve as a basis for developing programs and plans, while classifying and investigating the circumstances and causes of each individual to develop appropriate measures.

2. Organize social health examinations and treatments for prostitutes and detoxification for drug addicts.

a. Mobilize and enforce medical treatment for prostitutes suffering from social diseases.

The organization of medical examinations and treatments mainly takes place at healthcare facilities and is managed by the health sector. For prostitutes residing in social institutions, these activities are carried out by the institutions under the professional guidance of the health sector.

b. All drug addicts must undergo mandatory detoxification according to Point d of Resolution 06-CP, especially those of working age, minors, and those addicted through injection.

Detoxification can be organized in various forms such as at home, at state and private healthcare facilities, and at social centers. Severely addicted individuals who cannot detoxify at home or in their communities will be admitted to detoxification centers.

3. Organize vocational training for prostitutes and drug addicts.

Each locality should organize vocational training for these individuals based on the number and types of jobs required, aiming to create employment and stabilize their lives. Training for those requiring concentrated attention will take place at social centers. Others will learn skills at vocational training centers or production facilities in their localities.

Investment and assistance for educational, medical, vocational training, and job creation centers for these individuals will be made according to plans and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

4. Create employment opportunities.

After receiving medical treatment, detoxification, and vocational training, localities should provide conditions for them to find work, including:

If they start their own businesses at home, they will be given priority loans under Resolution 120-HĐBT dated April 11, 1991.

If they are referred to state-owned and private enterprises for employment, the enterprises accepting these workers will be eligible for loans corresponding to the investment cost of the workplace and the number of workers accepted.

Social centers capable of organizing production for these individuals will be considered for investment support based on production proposals.

Establishing settlements in planned areas to stabilize their lives will be supported financially for housing construction according to policies for relocating to new economic zones.

5. Coordinate to continuously monitor the living conditions of families in difficult situations or with special circumstances, poverty, many children, etc., to provide timely support for employment and livelihoods. Prevent cases where individuals fall into social evils due to lack of employment.

6. Strengthen social centers.

Depending on the current number of social centers, strengthen and upgrade or build additional ones so that social centers, in addition to their roles in education, medical treatment, and vocational training, also organize production and create employment for these individuals.

7. Subsidy system and funding sources.

For prostitutes and drug addicts who need concentrated medical treatment, vocational training, and job creation, living expenses will be provided like other centralized social care recipients according to Circular 48-TBXH dated October 30, 1985, and Decision No. 341 dated December 5, 1989 of the Council of Ministers (now the Government).

The loan system for creating employment is applied according to Joint Circular No. 10 dated July 24, 1992, and No. 17 dated September 9, 1992, of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, Finance, and the State Planning Commission guiding the implementation of Resolution 120-HĐBT dated April 11, 1992, and other guiding documents.

Funding for medical treatment, vocational training, and strengthening social centers comes from local budgets. For provinces unable to balance their budgets, requests for central government support will be made.

1. Determine the needs for the number of individuals requiring medical treatment, detoxification, vocational training, and job creation, and build and strengthen social centers to develop annual plans and programs (including budgets) to submit to the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

III- IMPLEMENTATION

2. Improve the machinery for social relief work; large provincial and city-level institutions should allocate at least 2-3 staff members, while key districts and towns must have at least one dedicated staff member for preventive work against social evils. Dedicated staff members should gradually be trained according to planning.

3. Regularly organize exchanges and summaries of experiences between relevant departments, mass organizations, and the public, as well as between districts, counties, and grassroots levels, encouraging and rewarding units and individuals who strictly and effectively implement anti-prostitution and drug abuse work.

This circular takes effect from the date of issuance. During its implementation, if there are any difficulties, report them to the Ministry for timely revision and supplementation./.

This Circular takes effect from the date of issuance. In the course of implementation, any difficulties should be reported to the Ministry for timely amendment and supplementation./.