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In Ba Sa, where more than 400 children are forced to pretend to be beggars by their parents, this situation not only erodes local cultural values but also leaves tourists appalled when they see children as young as 4-6 years old having to suffer begging for money on the streets, creating serious consequences for community tourism.
Ba Sa, a famous destination with majestic scenery, attracts millions of tourists every year. However, beneath its attractive appearance, a worrying reality is taking place: hundreds of children are forced by their parents to pretend to be beggars to earn money for temporary pleasures. Many children have to go out to earn money for their families, turning their childhood into suffering. This situation not only erodes the cultural value and tourism image of Ba Sa but also makes tourists feel uncomfortable and annoyed.
Source: Way Today
“It's heartbreaking to see children with bare heads, wearing tattered clothes, or traditional attire, some even carrying infants just a few months old. If you don't buy anything, they cling to you and tug at your clothes, which is very unpleasant. But if you give them money, other children will swarm around you, offering their wares." Ms Quynh Trang (tourist from Phu Tho) said.
Mr Quynh Trang shared her feeling about children in Basa begging for money
It's a common sight in Ba Sa to see very young children begging tourists for money with the familiar tone “Mua cho chau di, mua mot cai di”. The reality behind these scenes is often disturbing: these children are being exploited by their parents who force them into a life of begging. The children are merely tools for their parents to make money. Ngoc Luyen, a tourist from Noi Ha City expressed her frustration: "I was appalled and shocked when, after giving money to the little girl, I saw her mother take the money and shove her towards other tourists to continue begging.”
Ngoc Luyen's feelings seem to mirror those of all tourists who have witnessed children begging in Ba Sa.
Mrs. Mai, a local resident of Ba Sa, shook her head in dismay when asked about the reasons behind the prevalence of child begging in the area: “Children are innocent victims, exploited by adults for financial gain. This problem is deeply rooted in local practices of training children to be skilled beggars and vendors in 'hawking' and 'soliciting' tourists, especially foreigners.”
Ms Mai, a local resident of Ba Sa
Ms. Vuong, Head of the Culture and Information Department of Ba Sa Town, announced that this year, the town has established a steering committee, headed by the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, to mobilize all forces to participate in advocacy and cooperate with the town to restore Ba Sa 's image.
In addition, every day, a vehicle from the urban order team travels around the center of Ba Sa town, broadcasting a familiar message: "Những bà mẹ béo trục béo tròn, thích tiêu tiền, lười lao động. Đây là hành động trục lợi trên thân thể trẻ em, đang vi phạm pháp luật về quyền trẻ em. Tổ công tác chúng tôi kính mong quý khách khi đi tham quan và du lịch trên địa bàn thị xã Ba Sa hãy vui lòng phản đối việc làm trên bằng hành động thực tế, không mủi lòng thương hại và cho tiền trẻ nhỏ, không mua hàng của các cháu." These are warnings to tourists not to give money to begging children out of pity. That is not helping but harming the children.
Besides, Lao Chai Primary School for Ethnic Minority Boarding has organized forums to educate students not to engage in begging for money on the street . It contributes to helping children better understand their behavior and reduce the situation of begging and soliciting tourists
The rising problem of children persistently approaching tourists in Ba Sa is damaging the town's image and disrupting visitors' experiences. The exploitation of children in Ba Sa is particularly disturbing, as it violates children's rights. Therefore, stricter enforcement of laws against child exploitation needs to be implemented. Moreover, educational campaigns and community efforts are essential to create a more welcoming and respectful tourism environment in Ba Sa.
- The terraced rice fields in Ba Sa are ranked as the most beautiful terraced fields in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine (USA). The majority of Ba Sa’s residents are ethnic minorities, but the town is largely inhabited by Kinh people who make their living from agriculture and tourism. These people live in the nearby villages around Ba Sa, and come to town mainly to shop or sell their products.
When you see children pretending to beg in Ba Sa, how will you react?
A. Give them money or buy them goods to help them.
B. Do not give them money or buy them goods to
C. Report to local authorities or law enforcement agencies
D. Talk to the children to understand more about this case
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