VIENTIANE, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Laos will enforce the law more strictly to combat human trafficking and intensify efforts to reduce the vulnerability of at-risk groups.
Laos recorded 46 new human trafficking cases in 2024, resulting in 95 arrests and 85 victims, including 40 girls under the age of 18.
According to a report from the Lao Ministry of Public Security, human trafficking in Laos often involves brokers and criminals using cyber scams, particularly call-center scams, to trick Lao girls into risky and illegal situations.
In 2024, 127 people attended counseling sessions at protection centers established to assist women and children, while 104 females were reunited with their families after being lured into unsafe and illegal work. Additionally, 962 individuals at potential risk of human trafficking received both face-to-face and hotline counseling on 54 occasions.
In 2025, anti-trafficking efforts will focus on high-risk groups, enforce stricter laws, and reduce vulnerabilities to prevent further crimes.
The National Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons is collaborating with Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Cambodia to combat cross-border trafficking. Supported by international organizations and other partners, the countries have signed documents to strengthen efforts.
Anti-trafficking operations are carried out under a national plan implemented at both the central and local levels. To combat human trafficking, legislation has been strengthened, manuals published, and training sessions and seminars organized to raise awareness of the issue and ensure people remain vigilant against tricksters and scammers. ■