Representatives from Laos and the United States sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a project to protect vulnerable groups against exploitation.

Laos, US reaffirm commitment to combat human trafficking

The governments of Laos and the United States of America have reaffirmed their commitment to combat human trafficking, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Phase IV of a project to support victims and people at risk of trafficking.
The agreement was inked on Monday between the Director General of Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Vongkham Phanthanouvong, and the Director of Village Focus International, Mr Richard Reece.
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Mr Phongxaysack Inthalath witnessed the signing.
The initiative will be implemented at a cost of over US$1.58 million, supported by the US Department of State and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The project aims to empower victims of human trafficking and those vulnerable to exploitation by enhancing their access to education, vocational skills, and life skills training, leading to stable employment and reducing the risk of re-trafficking.
The project will be implemented in Vientiane, and the provinces of Xayabouly, Luang Prabang, Salavan and Champasak.
It will focus on protection and assistance, including the provision of safe shelters, healthcare services, vocational training, job creation, and employment opportunities for those at risk of trafficking, exploited labourers, survivors of violence, and victims of trafficking.
The project will also teach people about safe migration and how to avoid being trafficked.
The initiative will help to strengthen provincial, district, and village-level child rights protection committees, as well as relevant government partners, to assist at-risk workers and victims of trafficking.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 26, 2025)