USA and Laos celebrate successes in the fight against human trafficking

VIENTIANE – The USAID Laos Counter Trafficking in Persons (USAID Laos CTIP) project will continue to support Laos in its efforts to combat human trafficking through prevention, protection and partnership.

Human trafficking remains a global problem and the Lao government is committed to addressing this issue.

USAID's Assistant Administrator for Asia, Mr. Michael Schiffer, confirmed on Wednesday the United States' continued support in this area at an event celebrating milestones in the fight against human trafficking at the end of the USAID Laos Counter Trafficking in Persons (USAID Laos ). CTIP) project, which was a collaboration between the United States and Laos.

The project closing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Labor and Welfare and Vice President of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Mr. Lee Pao Yang, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International.

At the ceremony, Mr. Schiffer highlighted the growing partnership between the United States and Laos within the Comprehensive Partnership between the United States and the Lao People's Republic and emphasized the importance of increased cooperation and funding to combat human trafficking.

USAID Laos CTIP aims to reduce vulnerability to human trafficking by improving the capacity of government officials and other stakeholders in victim identification, safe migration, TIP prevention, and other protective services.

Through this collaborative approach, USAID Laos' CTIP project played a critical role in ensuring the well-being of those affected and contributes to the implementation of the 3rd National Action Plan (2021-2025), said a press release from Winrock International.

USAID Laos CTIP supports a capacity building program for relevant government officials and local structures in implementing action plans on human trafficking, safe migration and child protection.

This program has reached 425 people, including 130 women. In addition, the project supports protection, support and referral capacity building programs for 142 government officials, including 74 women.

Mr. Yang expressed his appreciation to the United States and USAID for their continued support and unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking in Laos.

USAID Laos CTIP also helps vulnerable people and victims access economic opportunities, reducing their vulnerability to human trafficking and exploitation.

To date, 157 vulnerable people and victims have been equipped with essential tools and skills, 108 of whom found employment and started small businesses in their communities.

After the ceremony marking the completion of USAID's Anti-Human Trafficking Project in Laos, Mr. Schiffer presented Deputy Minister Yang with over 100 million worth of flood relief supplies to support Laos' efforts to support communities affected by the recent floods.

The donated items were handed over in the presence of representatives from the Lao government, USAID and other development partners.

The donation marks the United States' first humanitarian assistance to Laos following extensive flooding across the country caused by heavy rains and storms earlier this month.

Donated items include hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and detergent, which will be distributed to 325 families most affected by the floods. This will help protect the health of affected communities as they recover.