Laos Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Human Trafficking on World Day

Laos marked the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, reaffirming its national commitment to combating the crime. The event was chaired by Mrs. Bounleuam Chanthaphomma, Head of the Women and Children Protection and Counseling Center of the Lao Women's Union and Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the National Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking, with representatives from government agencies and partner organizations in attendance. Mrs. Bounleuam highlighted that the Lao PDR continues to face both direct and indirect impacts from human trafficking. Common forms of trafficking include forced marriage, the online distribution of sexually explicit images and videos, forced prostitution, surrogacy, and labor exploitation. The government has made combating human trafficking a national priority by strengthening institutional frameworks, improving staffing and budget support, and enhancing anti-trafficking operations from the central to local levels. Authorities have also developed and revised legal instruments and operational guidelines while advancing the implementation of the Fourth National Action Plan on the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking (2026–2030). Capacity-building efforts have been expanded through training for police officers and other frontline officials, as well as awareness programmes in schools. Public information campaigns have also been carried out through television, radio, newspapers, social media, and community outreach in high-risk areas to educate people about the dangers of human trafficking. Authorities continue to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases in accordance with Lao law while providing protection and assistance to victims and vulnerable groups. Laos has also strengthened cooperation with neighboring countries and international organizations through existing bilateral and multilateral frameworks to combat cross-border trafficking. A seminar held alongside the commemoration focused on increasing public awareness of trafficking risks, promoting self-protection, and strengthening understanding of national laws and policies on preventing and combating human trafficking. Organizers said the event also reaffirmed Laos' commitment to implementing the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, while encouraging greater public participation in preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.