More than 1,400 people from ministries and international organisations gathered in Vientiane on Saturday for a one-kilometre walk to mark World Day
against Trafficking in Persons (July 30) after watching a performance reflecting aspects of trafficking at the National Culture Hall.
The performance and the walk were hosted by the Ministry of Public Security. The show comprised dances by secondary school students, young singers from the provinces, and a play about the terrible consequences of human trafficking.
The walk began outside the National Culture Hall on Samsenthai Road with participants striding out towards Chao Fa-ngum Park.
Among those taking part were Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Party and Government Inspection Authority and Anti-Corruption Organisation, Dr Bounthong Chitmany, Minister of Public Security Major General Somkeo Silavong, ministers, ambassadors to Laos, representatives from international organisations, and senior ministry officials.
Speaking at the event, Dr Bounthong said the walk aimed to observe World Day against Trafficking in Persons and show solidarity with other countries around the world in global action to combat human trafficking.
He said Laos intended to continue to partner with other countries and international organisations to enhance security, as well as learning from each other in terms of experience and information technology in work to protect people from being trafficked and to assist victims.
Human trafficking was a despicable crime, which unfortunately occurred all too often and was conducted internationally, he added.
Mr Somkeo said the government attached great importance to anti-trafficking efforts and intended to fight the trade through political, economic, security, and legal means and would impose strong rules. He said the government was responsible for protecting remote areas, families and individuals from human trafficking.
From 2013 to 2015 the government compiled plans to thwart trafficking and will continue to fight the trade during its term of office from 2016 to 2020.
The International Labour Organisation estimates that about 19.5 to 22.3 million people have been trafficked and enslaved throughout the world, with 11.7 million of them coming from the Mekong region.
Source: Vientiane Times
