Vientiane
provincial authorities have been given a stark reminder of the challenges
involved in tackling human trafficking, with news that Thai authorities
recently repatriated 31 local victims who were tricked with false promises of
employment.
This information was relayed by Deputy Head of
Office of the provincial Labour and Social Welfare Department Thongbay
Phonglamnhay at the annual meeting held recently in the province in northwest
Laos.
Thongbay told Vientiane Times yesterday that
the number of trafficking victims from the province discovered in Thailand in
2011 was a substantial increase on 2010, when only 10 were found.
The victims were mostly rural women, who
illegally entered Thailand to seek legitimate employment, but instead endured
forced labour in factories, entertainment venues and private homes.
The latest batch of victims have now been
returned to their hometowns in Muen, Feuang, Tholakhom, Phonhong, Hinheup, Maed
and Kasy districts by the department in collaboration with provincial
authorities after being further educated on the dangers of human trafficking.
Authorities want to discourage people from
believing rumours that work in other countries automatically brings good wages
and a better life.
Thongbay said the returnees were also taught
about discrimination against migrant workers, especially women and children
from rural areas.
"Dispelling myths about illegal migration
is one of the first steps towards reducing the problem of human trafficking,”
he said.
"Joining together to address this issue
is a major responsibility for everybody in society.”
District authorities are currently helping
victims to learn job skills such as garment making, beauty parlour work and
other skills.
Thongbay explained that most of the victims
illegally entered Thailand to seek jobs because they are from poor areas and
needed money to support their families.
Other reasons for migration to other provinces
or countries are limited job opportunities in Laos and a lack of employers in
the form of factories and companies.
Vientiane province is currently home to 5,600
workers, the department reported. To ease the issue, Thongbay said the
department has called for families to provide their children with information
about human trafficking.
"Raising awareness among children and
young people about the potential benefits and dangers of migration is very
important, and requires the government and the authorities concerned to work
together,” Thongbay said.
It is hoped that through a shared
understanding of trafficking and its impact on Lao children, their families and
society, greater action will be mobilised to address the underlying causes and
prevent further exploitation and abuse of children and young people.
Thongbay said action is being taken to address
the root causes of human trafficking and support the recovery and reintegration
of victims.
The government is taking steps to protect
children's rights and strengthening efforts to help vulnerable children at risk
of internal and cross-border trafficking, the department reported.
News Desk
Vientiane Times
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment