Under Sharia, Muslim women face some discrimination in divorce, inheritance, and child custody matters. There are occasional reports of physical abuse and ill treatment of female domestic servants and foreign workers. All unions must belong to the state-controlled Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, and all union leaders are VCP members. The 1994 Labor Code recognizes only a limited right to strike and allows the prime minister or the court to terminate strikes for the national good. Local authorities impose internal travel, education, and employment restrictions on ethnic minorities.
Women face social and employment discrimination.
Prostitution of women and children and international trafficking for that purpose are reportedly increasing. Human rights groups and monitors have complained of government obstacles and harassment in attempts to observe or report on human rights practices in Vietnam.