KPL
Laos continues to face complex challenges in combating human trafficking as criminal networks increasingly exploit social media, irregular labour migration and the country’s strategic location to deceive and exploit vulnerable people, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
(KPL) In an interview with the Lao News Agency on October 20, Col. Kikeo Chanthalangsy, Director General of the Anti-Human Trafficking Police Department, said authorities had handled 45 new human trafficking cases, arrested 119 suspects, including 36 foreign nationals, and rescued 86 victims, 80 of whom were female. The rescued victims included 71 children under the age of 18.
Authorities had completed and transferred 36 case files to the Office of the People's Prosecutor, while 16 cases remained under investigation.
Col. Kikeo said trafficking networks were using increasingly sophisticated methods, including fraudulent marriage offers circulated through social media, illegal cross-border surrogacy operations, and fake overseas employment opportunities. Some jobseekers were reportedly confined, subjected to forced overtime and deprived of their freedom in special economic zones and illegal online scam centres.
To strengthen prevention, authorities have integrated anti-human trafficking lessons into the national Civic Education curriculum for lower and upper secondary schools and distributed more than 6,250 supplementary books. Nationwide awareness efforts included 983 sessions reaching 126,616 people, including 56,216 women.
Victim protection and rehabilitation measures have also been expanded. The Counseling and Protection Center for Women and Children provided shelter to 34 victims, 29 of whom were female, while the Lao Youth Union delivered 889 counselling sessions. Authorities also worked with the Ban Saeng Sawat Association in Savannakhet and Luang Namtha provinces to provide vocational training and employment opportunities for returning migrant workers and young people at risk of exploitation.
Provincial shelter networks have been strengthened to support the safe return of victims rescued from special economic zones, including assistance with their initial financial needs.
International cooperation remains an important part of the government's response. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing arrangements for a national focal point committee to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. With support from the International Labour Organization, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions has also prepared a memorandum of understanding with Thai trade unions to protect Lao workers in Thailand and Thai workers in Laos.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Supreme People's Prosecutor is working with the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking programme to develop judicial training materials. In cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, it is also preparing a standardised manual for interviewing human trafficking victims and witnesses.
Col. Kikeo stressed the importance of continued public awareness, effective law enforcement, victim protection and international cooperation in preventing trafficking and safeguarding vulnerable people.
KPL
