VietNamNet Bridge – The Government and lawmakers at the National Assembly's meeting on Friday, Nov 5, agreed that although the incidence of juvenile crimes has dropped, the severity of the offences has risen.

According to the Government's report on the fight against crimes presented by Minister of Public Security Le Hong Anh, the number of crimes committed overall has declined thanks to effective prevention and control measures and improved laws. However, more crimes involving serious criminal behaviour were reported.

Domestic and school-based violence has been on an upward trend. The report also indicated more trans-national and border crimes, including trafficking of women and children and drug smuggling.

The rise in drug crimes has been attributed to the high profits of its illicit trade and inefficient prevention in border areas.

According to the report, the fight against crimes in the economic sector, environmental corruption, and crimes using advanced technology has made progress.

Nearly 11,000 cases related to the economy and 238 cases of corruption were brought to light.

During yesterday's discussion, NA deputies lauded the Government, the Supreme People's Procuracy, and the Supreme People's Court's efforts to control crimes. However, they showed particular concern over juvenile crimes.

Deputy Tran Thi Dung from northern Dien Bien Province said the rising number of juvenile crimes required better co-ordination between families and social organisations to strengthen legal education for students.

Deputy Ngo Thi Minh from northern Quang Ninh Province said child abuse and school violence were worrisome to the whole society, which has pleaded for more drastic Government action. Deputies suggested the Government find long-term preventive measures.

Deputy Nguyen Thanh Toan from central Thua Thien Hue Province said prevention was poor due to the limited responsibility of unions.

He said although some crimes involved professional criminals for whom the police are responsible, other crimes stemmed from social causes, including immorality, movies and drug addiction.

"If each family and each social organisation takes more heed, I believe the number of such crimes will go down," Toan said.

Regarding anti-corruption, deputies agreed improvement has been made, both in prevention and control of the evil in the management of public properties, State budget, and ODA and the implementation of national programmes.

However, there have been complaints about the lack of progress in investigating and resolving corruption cases, particularly serious ones.

Deputy Tran Van Kiet from southern Vinh Long and Tran Thi Dung of Dien Bien Province said a number of cases had yet to be tackled strictly.

Deputy Nguyen Dinh Xuan from southern Tay Ninh Province said the low number of exposed cases did not necessarily mean corruption has declined.

Both Xuan and Kiet suggested the NA revise the anti-corruption law.

The NA also heard yesterday about the Government's report on execution and amnesty. Some deputies said authorised agencies should try to mitigate inappropriate sentences in legal procedures to ensure justice.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News