Laos Marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with Ceremony Highlighting National Efforts

Vientiane: The Secretariat of the National Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking on July 30 marked the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with a ceremony held under the theme: "Eradicate and Eliminate Transnational Human Trafficking Networks from Society." The event was chaired by Mrs. Bounleuam Chanthaphomma, Head of the Women and Children Protection and Counseling Center of the Lao Women's Union and Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the National Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking. Representatives from government agencies and partner organizations also attended. According to Lao News Agency, Mrs. Bounleuam addressed the ceremony, emphasizing that the Lao PDR continues to face both direct and indirect impacts from human trafficking. Common forms of trafficking include forced marriage, the online distribution of sexually explicit images and videos, forced prostitution, surrogacy, and labor exploitation. She highlighted that combating human trafficking has been made a national priority by the Governm ent, with efforts focused on strengthening institutional frameworks, improving staffing and budget support, and enhancing anti-trafficking operations from the central to local levels. Authorities in Laos have been proactive in developing and revising legal instruments and operational guidelines, advancing the implementation of the Fourth National Action Plan on the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking (2026-2030). Bounleuam noted that capacity-building efforts have been expanded through training for police officers and other frontline officials, as well as awareness programs in schools. Public information campaigns have also been carried out through various media platforms and community outreach in high-risk areas to educate people about the dangers of human trafficking. She further stated that authorities are committed to investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases in accordance with Lao law while providing protection and assistance to victims and vulnerable groups. Laos has also reinforced cooperation with neighboring countries and international organizations through existing bilateral and multilateral frameworks to combat cross-border trafficking. A seminar held alongside the commemoration focused on increasing public awareness of trafficking risks, promoting self-protection, and strengthening understanding of national laws and policies on preventing and combating human trafficking. Organizers of the event reaffirmed Laos' commitment to implementing the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, while encouraging greater public participation in preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.