Launch Of Public Awareness Raising Materials To Support Combating Human Trafficking In Lao PDR

VIENTIANE CAPITAL, LAO PDR – On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International launched Information Education Communication (IEC) materials on Counter Trafficking in Persons (TIP) on July 29, 2022 at a ceremony held at Laotel. 

The IEC materials were developed with funding support from USAID.  These posters, video cartoon animations, and guidebooks will support awareness-raising among vulnerable groups and potential victims about the risk of trafficking and provide ways to help prevent themselves from becoming victims, thereby supporting the Lao PDR government’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

The ceremony was opened by MICT Deputy Minister Ounthouang Khaophanh and USAID Country Representative to Lao PDR Michael Ronning, and was attended by more than 100 participants from line ministries and non-governmental organizations. The IEC materials will be distributed to target provinces under the USAID Laos CTIP project via online platforms and in cooperation with service providers, private sectors, and schools.

Today, the impact of the post-COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide inflation are influencing migration and trafficking patterns, due to the economic hardships that people confront. Counter trafficking measures must be intensified, including prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. 

At the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Khaophanh stated that “I would like to express my high appreciation to the committee responsible for making the production of these IEC materials a reality. The production of these IEC materials is in line with the times and the use of technology to contribute to this. It will speed up the counter trafficking awareness campaign and keep updated with the current social situation.”

“Ending human trafficking is a top priority for the United States and a goal that we share with the government and people of Laos. We are proud to support Laos in its efforts to stop human trafficking as part of our Comprehensive Partnership, and in support of Laos’ continued development as a strong, prosperous, and independent nation.” said Mr. Ronning. 

The United States partners with the government of Laos to strengthen its response to human trafficking cases; reduce the vulnerability of women, children, and marginalized people to trafficking; and improve trafficking victims’ access to services and safe economic opportunities. 

To see more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usaidlaos