In 1999, the Lao PDR government admitted that programmes specifically addressing CSEC have not been carried out.  <p>

In 1999, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare carried out research on sexually exploited and sexually abused children in urban areas of 4 provinces. This research was considered an important step as the problem of CSEC in Laos was acknowledged and the results of the research were accepted by the government. Following the research, a workshop on sexual abuse and exploitation of children and youth in Lao PDR was organised by the Department of Social Welfare and ESCAP. The findings recommended that an advocacy and public awareness campaign on laws and policies related to sexual abuse and sexual exploitation be conducted. <p>

The ILO/IPEC Trafficking Project in Lao PDR signed a MOU with the government in January 2000. The Project aims to comply with the ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour, which Laos has agreed to but not yet adopted. The ILO hopes that the implementation of this project will lead the Lao government to the adoption of the Convention. The project conducted a situational analysis of the problem and aims to implement activities in 3 provinces – Kham Muan, Sawannakhet, and Jampasuk. The preventative strategy includes activities such as vocational training, small enterprise support, village development funds, and direct assistance. The target group for the project is young people who have left school. Another dimension of the project is the establishment of an awareness raising campaign which will focus on community media where villagers will produce their own campaign with technical training provided by ILO.<p>

ILO published fiction books on life of Laotian girls working in Thailand entitled: “Humans Selling Humans”, to raise awareness of the target groups on the danger of leaving Lao PDR in search of work or after being assured of work by a broker in another country. The stories were written by one of Lao PDR’s most famous writers. Information for the novels was taken from discussions with 20 repatriated girls. The ILO plans another campaign producing a traditional Lao opera based on one of the stories. CDs will be produced, and a live concert will be held. <p>

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has a established a centre to develop vocational skills. The centre teaches carpentry, construction, electrical repair and installation, welding and drafting. The Lao Child and Youth Development Centre located in Vientiane provides young people with skills training in agriculture, sewing, English language and sports.