Representatives of the Lao government, USAID and other development partners gather for a photo during the project closing ceremony. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: The USAID Laos Counter Trafficking in Persons (USAID Laos CTIP) project will continue to support Laos in efforts to counter trafficking in persons through prevention, protection and partnership.
Trafficking in persons continues to be a global concern, and the Lao government is committed to addressing this issue.
USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Asia, Michael Schiffer, on Wednesday (Sept 25) confirmed the United States’ continuing support in this field at an event to celebrate the milestones achieved in the fight against human trafficking at the close 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 Labour and Social Welfare and Vice President of the National Committee on Counter Trafficking in Persons, Lee Pao Yang, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International.
Speaking at the ceremony, Schiffer highlighted the expanding partnership between the United States and Laos under the US-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership and emphasised the importance of increasing collaboration and funding in an effort to combat trafficking.
USAID Laos CTIP aims to reduce vulnerability to human trafficking by enhancing the capacity of government officials and other stakeholders in victim identification, safe migration, TIP prevention, and other protection services.
Through this collaborative approach, the USAID Laos CTIP project 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), according to a press release from Winrock International.
USAID Laos CTIP supports a capacity-building programme for relevant government officials and local structures in implementing 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.
Yang expressed appreciation to the United States and USAID for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to countering trafficking in persons in Laos.
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 have been equipped with essential tools and knowledge, 108 of whom secured employment and started small businesses in their communities.
After the ceremony to close the USAID Laos Counter Trafficking in Persons project, flood relief supplies valued at over 100 million were presented by Schiffer to Deputy Minister Yang to support Laos’ efforts to assist communities affected by the recent floods.
The donated items were handed over in the presence of representatives of the Lao government, USAID and other development partners.
The donation is the United States’ first humanitarian assistance to Laos following extensive flooding across the country, caused by heavy rain and storms earlier this month.
The donated items include hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and laundry detergent, which will be distributed to 325 families most affected by the floods. This will help protect the health of affected communities while they are recovering. - Vientiane Times/ANN
