Sex trafficking in Laos ishuman trafficking forsexual exploitation and slavery that occurs in theLao People's Democratic Republic. Laos is primarily an origin country for sexually trafficked persons.[1][2]
Sex trafficking victims in the country are from allethnic groups in Laos and foreigners. Laos citizens, primarily women and girls, have been sex trafficked into other countries inAsia and differentcontinents.[1]They are threatened[3] and forced into prostitution, marriages, and or pregnancies.[4][5] Sex trafficked victims experience physical and psychological trauma.[3] They contractsexually transmitted diseases from rapes,[6] and abuse andmalnutrition are prevalent.[6] Some women and girls are tortured and or murdered.[4]
Sex trafficking and exploitation is pervasive throughout all levels of Laos society. Male and female perpetrators in Laos come from diverse backgrounds. A number of traffickers are members of or facilitated by gangs.[4]
The extent of sex trafficking in Laos is unknown because of the lack of data, the concealed nature of sex trafficking crimes, and other factors. Anti-sex trafficking efforts have been hindered by corruption, indifference, border management problems, and more.[7][5]
Laos women and girls are sex trafficked intoThailand,[4]Vietnam,China,[8]Taiwan,Japan,[9] and other countries throughout the world. They are forced into marriages or brothels[5] and karaoke bars,[6] andunfree labour in homes or on farms. Many are tied or locked up and harmed.[4][7] A number of traumatized victims have nightmares. Rescued victims do not receive adequate rehabilitation services.[7] They experience stigma.[10] Some have been re-trafficked because of the lack of protection.[4]
Women and girls from families in poverty and lack education, as well as children,[3] are vulnerable to sex trafficking.[7] People from minority groups are also susceptible.[8]
The traffickers are often part of gangs.[4] The perpetrators are sometimes the victims' family members or acquaintances.[7]
The Government of Laos does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.[1] Resources are scarce.[8]
Corruption and impunity have hampered Laos's response in reducing sex trafficking. Some officials and police have facilitated the trafficking of women and girls and or are on the perpetrators' payroll.[7] Authorities accept bribes and commit document forgery and fraud.[5]
The Laos government has been criticized for its anti-sex trafficking efforts. Some police have been negligent. Long-term support for victims is inadequate.[7]
Village Focus International (VFI) carries out anti-sex trafficking initiatives in Laos.[11]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.
