United States and Lao PDR Celebrate Achievements in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

VIENTIANE CAPITAL, LAO PDR – The United States and Lao PDR celebrated milestones in the fight against human trafficking at a ceremony on September 25 to mark the closeout of the Counter Trafficking in Persons (Laos CTIP) project, led by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MOLSW) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International.  The ceremony was chaired by MOLSW’s Vice Minister Mr. Lee Pao Yang and USAID’s Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia. Mr. Michael Schiffer, and attended by representatives from the Government of Lao PDR, USAID and development partners.  During the event, Mr. Schiffer presented flood relief supplies, valued at over LAK 100,000,000, to Vice Minister Pao Yang to further support the Lao PDR in an effort to assist victims of flash floods in Laos.

USAID Laos CTIP aims to reduce vulnerability to human trafficking by enhancing the capacity of government officials and other stakeholders on victim identification, safe migration, TIP prevention, and other protection services. Through this collaborative approach, the USAID Laos CTIP project activity played a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of those affected.

USAID Laos CTIP supports a capacity-building program for relevant government officials and local structures in implementing the plans of action on trafficking in persons, safe migration and child protection. This program has reached 425 individuals, including 130 women. Additionally, the project supports protection, assistance, and referral capacity building programs for 142 government officials, including 74 women.

The donation is the United States’ first humanitarian assistance to assist the Lao PDR in the recent flash floods in Luang Namtha, caused by heavy rain and storm earlier this month. The commodities include hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush and laundry detergent, which will be distributed to 325 families most affected by the disaster. This will help project the health of affected communities while they are recovering. 

USAID Laos CTIP also assists vulnerable people and victims to access economic opportunities, thereby reducing their vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.  To date, 157 vulnerable individuals and victims were equipped with essential tools and knowledge, 108 of whom successfully secured employment or started small businesses. 

In his remarks, Vice Minister Lee Pao Yang expressed appreciation to the United States and USAID for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to countering trafficking in persons in Lao PDR.

Mr. Schiffer said, “The United States commends the Government of Laos’ ongoing initiatives to respond to trafficking in persons. We remain committed to our partnership with the Government and other local stakeholders to prevent trafficking, especially among the most vulnerable, and pursue a path of healing for victims and survivors. Our shared resolve reflects the strength of the U.S.-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership, and we look forward to increasing our collaboration to fight trafficking in persons.” 

Trafficking in Persons continues to be a global concern, and the Lao government is committed to addressing this issue.  The USAID Laos CTIP project will continue to support the Lao PDR in their effort to counter trafficking in persons through prevention, protection and partnership.