157 human trafficking victims rescued in 2014

Those rescued were sent back to Laos under a memorandum of understating (MOU) between the Lao and Thai governments, according to the Social Welfare Department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

 

Of the 157 victims, only two were male and 135 of the total were under 18 years old, statistics provided by the department showed.

 

The largest number of them came from Vientiane followed by residents of Vientiane and Luang Prabang provinces respectively.

 

The department's official in charge of extending assistance to human trafficking victims stated that more victims have been rescued recently in Thailand - the more popular destination for Lao migrant workers as Thai authorities are taking tougher measures to address the illegal flesh trade.

 

Most of the Lao nationals who fall victim to human trafficking are reportedly found in neighbouring Thailand, while rare cases are occasionally reported of victims found in other Asian countries, according to the official, who asked not to be named.

 

Sexual exploitation has been a common form of human trafficking which most Lao migrants fall victim to, while smaller numbers become victims of labour exploitation, being forced to work hard and long hours on farms and in the fishery industry.

 

In the last few days, Thai officials returned a Lao man, 29, a fter he escaped from a fishing boat in the southern part of Thailand. The victim, who together with his 17 friends had been lured by a human trafficker into working in Thailand since 2011, told police that six of his friends were missing and the remainder are still working there with their fate unknown, according to Vientiane authorities.

 

Lao authorities have warned parents and families to be aware of the human traffickers who deceive the victims with the promise of arranging legal employment with a good salary in Thailand. Those wanting to work in Thailand are advised to get there through local labour recruitment agencies.

 

Since 2001, as many as 2,261 human trafficking victims have been rescued and sent back to Laos – most of them were sent back from Thai land. Of the 2,261 victims, only 108 were males and 75 percent of the total was below 18 years.

 

Under the MOU between the Lao and Thai governments, victims of human trafficking will not be prosecuted or penalised including those entering or working illegally in Thailand. Instead the victims will be offered assistance, including sending them back to their country of origin.

 

Upon their return to Laos, preparations are made to send the victims back to their families. Those in poor condition, such as mental conditions that mean they are not ready to be sent back, will be sent to temporary shelters where they will receive treatment and rehabilitation.

 

“We are working with international organisations to operate the rehabilitation centres [shelters]. We also provide the victims with skill training with some funds to enable them to make a living,” the official said.