Medics get lessons in ways to support human trafficking victims

Officials in charge of human trafficking prevention recently trained medical personnel from six provinces on ways to support people suffering from both the physical and psychological effects of trafficking.
The training workshop was held in Savannakhet province with medical personnel also attending from the capital and the provinces of Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Xaysomboun, and Vientiane.
Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Minister of Health Mr Khamphone Phouthavong said human trafficking has spread across the world with the various forms of sexual and labour abuse seen as a significant threat in many countries.
The response to human trafficking was playing an essential role in the fortification of fundamental human rights, especially dealing with the physical, psychological and sexual and other adverse impacts, he noted.
People in Laos were very vulnerable to trafficking, he added, because so many are poor and the development gap between urban and rural regions lured many into risky situations.
During the training workshop, participants learned about improved ways to provide assistance and elementary counselling for human trafficking victims.
According to the Lao Women’s Union’s statistics for 2019, most incidents of human trafficking occur in China, while Thailand also has a high incidence.
About 60 people a month call the 1362 Counselling and Protection Hotline for women and children in Vientiane. This hotline offers counselling and support to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
The Lao Women’s Union recently discussed with concerned authorities the drafting of new policy guidelines on family violence, child protection and human trafficking.
The National Assembly endorsed draft guidelines in 2015. These sought to clarify and update procedures, particularly with regard to human trafficking.
According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the majority of human trafficking victims are females, and during the past ten years, more than 80 percent of identified victims have been under 18 years old.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 30, 2019)