(KPL) The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MLSW), through its Department of Social Welfare, organized the 2025 International Day Against Human Trafficking on August 5 under the global theme: “United Against Human Trafficking: Safe and Legal Migration Protects Us All.”

The event was led by Mr. Phosai Sayasone, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, and attended by deputy ministers, department heads, MLSW officials, and representatives from various partner organizations.

The International Day Against Human Trafficking serves as a vital platform to spotlight the urgent need to combat human trafficking an egregious crime that violates basic human rights and undermines national and global security. It leaves devastating impacts on victims, including long-term physical, psychological, and emotional harm, while also disrupting families and hindering socio-economic progress.

This year’s observance aimed to raise public awareness and intensify efforts to prevent human trafficking, emphasizing the role of safe and legal migration in protecting vulnerable populations.

Human trafficking continues to evolve, with traffickers adopting new and increasingly deceptive methods to exploit victims particularly women and children. Current data shows that one in three victims worldwide is a child, with girls being disproportionately affected. Fraud, manipulation, and coercion remain common tools used by traffickers to lure victims into exploitation.

In response, public education remains a cornerstone of prevention. Awareness campaigns help communities especially women, children, and at risk groups recognize and avoid trafficking schemes. These initiatives are essential in building informed and resilient communities that can resist exploitation.

KPL