The 15th Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) or Francophone has highlighted the protection of women and children. Addressing the event held in Senegal on Nov 29, representatives from member countries discussed measures to prevent trafficking of women and children in developing countries as well as transnational human trafficking rings. This is among issues mentioned in the joint statement issued by 57 member countries. Top leaders from the Francophone nations discussed measures to promote links and better economic growth among the members. Vietnam is a country where the number of French speakers ranks just behind that of English. The interest in promoting the OIF’s activities in Vietnam could be attributed to the fact that Vietnam used to be under the French colonialism in late 19th and first half of the 20th century. (Nhan Dan – The People Dec 1 p1)
