VIENTIANE, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Laos has launched a project aimed at eliminating workplace discrimination, harassment, and child labor, with the goal of strengthening trade, enhancing regulatory compliance, and promoting decent work standards.
Speaking at the launch ceremony on Thursday, Lao Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Phongsaysak Inthalath emphasized that the initiative aims to protect workers' rights, reduce unregulated labor, and align the country's labor laws with international standards.
A 2022 labor survey in Laos revealed that over 172,000 children are engaged in child labor, including more than 65,000 involved in hazardous work. This not only impacts the livelihoods of workers but also hinders the country's sustainable socio-economic development, according to Lao News Agency on Thursday.
Running from 2025 to 2028, the project aims to eliminate workplace discrimination and abuse, strengthen labor relations and social dialogue mechanisms, and reform labor laws to align with international conventions by 2026.
It also seeks to combat child labor, particularly in the commercial sector, support training programs and awareness campaigns, promote the involvement of tripartite organizations and key stakeholders, and develop enforcement guidelines while enhancing monitoring systems. ■