Vientiane Capital Lao Women’s Union and Gender Development Association join Forces to Protect Children in Sangthong
Vientiane Capital, Laos (August 13, 2024) – A significant step towards safeguarding children in Laos was taken today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Gender Development Association and the Vientiane Capital Lao Women’s Union for the “Protection of Children in Great Poverty in Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital” project. The ceremony, hosted by the Gender Development Association at the Vientiane Capital Administration Office, brought together government officials to launch a collaborative effort to address the pressing issue of child protection.
The signing ceremony was co-chaired by Mrs. Sirikit Boupha, Vice President of the Lao Women’s Union, and Mr. Phouvong Vongkhamsao, Deputy Mayor of Vientiane. Representatives from relevant line ministries and government implementing partners also attended the meeting.
The project aims to prevent and protect children from violence, particularly human trafficking, by strengthening families, raising awareness, and providing essential support services. It will target 200 families across five villages in Sangthong District over the next year.
“Lao PDR is not free from violence, which can occur anywhere, anytime, regardless of wealth, poverty status, or education level. The problem of violence increases the risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking. Moreover, economic growth, coupled with rapid infrastructure development, modern technology, and borderless communication, has driven labor migration from rural to urban areas and across borders. This migration is often illegal, forced, or based on deception, making people, particularly women and children, vulnerable to human trafficking both domestically and internationally,” said Mrs. Sirikit Boupha, Vice President of the Lao Women’s Union.
She continued, “In response to this problem, the Lao PDR government has consistently prioritized the prevention, protection, assistance, and referral of victims of violence and human trafficking. By placing victims at the center of its efforts, the government has implemented policies, laws, and national action plans to prevent and eliminate violence against women and children, including a specific plan to combat human trafficking.”
The project will focus on:
- Strengthening family resilience and parental capacity
- Raising awareness about child rights and the dangers of human trafficking
- Establishing referral systems for children at risk
- Collaborating with government agencies and local communities to provide comprehensive support services
The project will focus on:
- Strengthening family resilience and parental capacity
- Raising awareness about child rights and the dangers of human trafficking
- Establishing referral systems for children at risk
- Collaborating with government agencies and local communities to provide comprehensive support services
The signing of the MOU signifies a strong commitment from both the government and the NGO sector to prioritize the well-being of children. By working together, they aim to create a safer and more protective environment for all children in Laos.