Desperately poor rural communities are particularly vulnerable to natural resources exploitation (upon which their livelihoods depend) and to subsequent social ills such as trafficking for sex and labor and other forms of exploitation. Within this context youth are the most vulnerable sector of all. VFI focuses on the prevention, protection, and rehabilitation of trafficking victims from communities along the Mekong – whose citizens speak Thai and which have long relationships with people across the river – as well as upland peoples who generally are not familiar with Thai culture. Both groups of people – but upland peoples in particular – are being gradually squeezed off of traditional lands and often seek work opportunities in Thailand and other places, including other parts of Laos.

Our primary approaches to fighting trafficking:

• A dynamic program led by local women.
• A Shelter to protect, train and reintegrate survivors of trafficking.
• Youth-led project initiated by VFI: Traditions and Environment Volunteer Youth (TEVY) and Youth Action Against Trafficking (YAAT).
• Village leadership teams in all project villages, always including village women and youth representatives.
• A focus on education and awareness raising, the development of anti-trafficking materials and teaching life skills for youth.
• Vocational opportunities for women and youth.
• Livelihood support, including savings groups managed by and for female-owned businesses.
  • Overview of the trafficking situation in Lao PDR
  • FAQ's and the overview