(KPL)A workshop to discuss children-related issues was organized on June 17 in Samakkhysay district of Attapeu province, co-chaired by Associate Professor Dr. SomOck Kingsada, Vice President of the Lao Front for National Development (LFND) and Mr Sisavanh Sengphaiboun, President of Attapeu LFND. 

More than 40 officials from 5 districts of Attapeu LFND and all related provincial departments of Attapeu province attended the workshop.

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. SomOck Kingsada said that despite the progress in the area of child wellbeing over the last years, there are still challenges that need our attention. There is still room for improvement in the area of health promotion including immunization, nutrition, water and sanitation. The other areas that still need improvement are education, child protection and child trafficking.

“The LFND can help to ensure that no child is left behind by working at community level and promoting child rights while changing traditional practices that affect the health and wellbeing of mothers and children,” said Associate Professor Dr. SomOck Kingsada, while highlighting the important role of the LFND as an “Ambassador of people”.

“This workshop is very important as it will allow the LFND staff in Attapeu to understand key issues affecting children’s lives to then carry out communication activities at village level,” added Dr. SomOck Kingsada who urged participants of all related provincial and district departments and mass organizations to work closely together to improve the wellbeing of mothers and children in Attapeu province.

Representatives from key line ministries and other mass organizations, like the National Commission for Advancement of Mothers and Children and the Lao Women’s Union attended this workshop and briefed LFND officials on issues such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and the challenges and opportunities that children face during the first and second decade of their lives, paying special attention to Children and SDGs and the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

After the workshop, participants took part in a community mobilization, including nutrition, immunization and other child rights related issues in rural villages of Attapeu province.

Following this workshop on child rights related issues another one will be organized in Sanamxay district of Attapeu province for district officials on 19 June 2019 and participants will also conduct community mobilization activities in rural villages of Sanamxay district on nutrition, immunization and other child rights related issues.

KPL