U.S. Embassy Chargée d’affaires Michelle Y. Outlaw recently co-chaired a workshop focused on trafficking-in-persons in Laos, alongside Ms. Bounleua Chanthaphomma, Director General of the Centre for Counseling and Protection for Women and Children of the Lao Women’s Union. The workshop was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Its main objective was to help contextualize and standardize terminology related to trafficking cases in Laos.
“Human trafficking is a crime that transcends borders, and addressing it requires a united global response,” said CDA Outlaw during her remarks at the event. “Collaboration is key to success, and we must all work together to ensure that traffickers are held accountable, victims are protected, and vulnerable communities are empowered.”
The event reflects ongoing efforts by international organizations and government agencies to address human trafficking through improved cooperation and shared standards.