Human trafficking in Laos
U.S. State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons placed the country in "Tier 3 Watchlist" in 2018.[2]
Sex trafficking
Laos is mainly an origin country for sexually trafficked persons.[3] A number of citizens, primarily women and girls, from all ethnic groups and foreigners have been victims of sex trafficking in Laos.[4][5][6]
Prosecution
The Lao government demonstrated progress in its anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts and willingness to collaborate with other countries as well as NGOs and international organizations. Laos prohibits all forms of trafficking through Penal Code Article 134, which prescribes penalties that are sufficiently stringent and commensurate with those prescribed for rape. In 2007, the Ministry of Public Security used Article 134 to investigate 38 cases of trafficking, resulting in 23 arrests and eight ongoing prosecutions. An additional 20 cases are currently under investigation. Police corruption, a weak judicial sector and the population’s general lack of understanding of the court system impeded anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts. Through legal aid clinics, the Lao Bar Association assisted victims by educating the public at large on the legal system and by providing legal advice to victims of human rights abuses, including human trafficking. Corruption remained a problem with government officials susceptible to involvement or collusion in trafficking in persons, narcotics, wildlife, and illegal logging. No government or law enforcement officials have been disciplined or punished for involvement in trafficking in persons. The Lao government worked with international organizations and civil society to increase law enforcement capacity through training for police, investigators, prosecutors, and customs and border officials.[1]
Protection
The Lao government demonstrated progress in improving protection for victims of trafficking during the year. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MLSW) and Immigration Department cooperated with IOM, UNIAP, and a local
Prevention
The Lao government increased efforts to prevent trafficking in persons with assistance from international organizations and civil society. For example, the MLSW worked with UNICEF to set up awareness-raising billboards near border checkpoints and larger cities. Also, in December 2007, the Lao Youth Union held a day-long event with workshops, puppet shows, and plays to address child trafficking. The event was led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense who spoke about the dangers of trafficking. The government completed its national action plan to combat trafficking in July 2007. The Government of Laos demonstrated some efforts to reduce demand for commercial sex acts through periodic raids of nightclubs and discos used as fronts for
References
- ^ U.S. Department of State (June 4, 2008). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "Congressional Research Service: Laos" (PDF). crsreports.congress.gov/. Retrieved 2019-10-12.
- ^ "LAO PDR UN ACT". UN ACT.
- ^ "Two teenagers rescued from forced prostitution in Laos". Thanh Nien News. November 4, 2014.
- ^ "Trafficking Racket Smashed". Radio Free Asia. October 14, 2010.
- ^ "Chinese marriage proposals become prostitution nightmares for some Lao girls". Radio Free Asia. February 13, 2017.