VIENTIANE, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Laos is taking steps to strengthen social protection, labor rights, and occupational safety and health for farmers.
The Lao Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, in collaboration with international partners, has launched the second phase of the Advancing Social Protection and Labor Rights and Entitlements in the Coffee, Tea and Forestry Sectors (SOLAR II) project, aimed at strengthening social protection and labor rights for more than 32,000 farmers across seven provinces.
According to a ministry report, the launch ceremony was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Tuesday and presided over by Lao Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Keo Chanthavixay.
In her speech, Keo expressed appreciation to the European Union for funding the project through the International Labor Organization, with implementation led by the Lao Social Security Organization.
She highlighted challenges facing workers in Laos' coffee, tea, and agriculture and forestry sectors, including widespread informal and seasonal employment, limited awareness of occupational safety and health, a lack of formal employment contracts and social security coverage, and continuing concerns over labor rights violations, violence, and sexual harassment. ■