(KPL)The Lao PDR and the United States celebrated milestones in the fight against human trafficking at a ceremony on September 25 to mark the closing of the implementation of the USAID Laos Counter Trafficking in Persons (USAID 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 Vice President of the National Committee on Counter Trafficking in Persons and MOLSW’s Vice Minister Mr. Lee Pao Yang and USAID’s Assistant Administrator 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 million to Vice Minister Yang to further support the Lao PDR in an effort to assist victims of flash floods in 2024.

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 and contributes to the implementation of the 3rd National Plan of Action (2021-2025).

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

Additionally, the project supports protection, assistance, and referral capacity building programmes for 142 government officials, including 74 women.

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 and started small businesses in their communities.

The donation is the United States’ first humanitarian assistance to assist the Lao PDR in the recent flash floods in 2024, 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 protect the health of affected communities while they are recovering.

In his remarks, Vice President of the National Committee on Counter Trafficking in Persons and Vice Minister Yang expressed appreciation to the United States and USAID for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to countering trafficking in persons in the Lao PDR.

Mr. Schiffer highlighted the expanding partnership between the United States and Lao PDR under the U.S-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership and emphasized the importance of increasing more collaboration and funding in effort to combat trafficking in persons. Mr. Schiffer stated, “the United States is committed to partnering with the Lao PDR and the world in the fight against 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.

KPL