Vientiane – International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in collaboration with the Secretariat to the National Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (SAHT), organized a football match to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The football match enhanced its mutual partnership and further strengthened cooperation in combating trafficking in persons.

Throughout the month of July 2022, IOM Mission in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (IOM in Lao PDR has conducted several activities to commemorate this important day; the Football match was one of those activities. IOM in Lao PDR conducted interview campaigns with other UN agencies colleagues, particularly to hear their thoughts and tips on prevention and combating TIP which were posted on IOM Lao PDR’s social media platforms from 25 July to 1 Aug. Additionally, IOM is supporting the Counselling and Protection Centre for Women and Children, the Lao Women’s Union of canvas bags and polo shirts during August 2022.

The football match consisted of four teams including IOM and United Nation Agencies, the Office of the Secretariat to the National Committee on Anti-Trafficking (OSAHT), Secretariat to the National Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (SAHT), and Vientiane Capital Division of Police Anti-Trafficking in Persons.

Trafficking in Persons is a global problem which thousands of men, women, and children were labored and sexually exploited by traffickers. Therefore, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is held annually on 30 July to raise public awareness of Trafficking in Persons. IOM in the Lao PDR is strongly committed to be part of the anti-trafficking in persons community to support the Government of the Lao PDR together with other organizations to combat such crime.

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For more information, please contact: Shareen Tuladhar, Chief of Mission, IOM Lao PDR at Shtuladhar@iom.int