Lao People’s Democratic Republic moves closer to finalizing national strategy to eliminate child labour

LUANG PRABANG, (ILO News) – Representatives of the government, workers' and employers' organizations and civil society in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have reviewed and provided recommendations on the draft National Strategy for the Elimination of Child Labour 2026–2040, helping to ensure that the strategy responds to local challenges before it is finalized.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) convened the provincial consultation workshop on 20–21 August 2026 as part of the process to validate the draft strategy. The consultation provided the stakeholders from the northern region with an opportunity to contribute practical perspectives and recommendations to ensure that the strategy reflects realities on the ground and can be effectively implemented at the provincial and local levels. Further provincial consultations will be held in the Central and Southern regions of the country.

Supported by the Government of Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), with additional support from the Save the Children EU-funded project, the workshop brought together 69 stakeholders, including representatives of national line ministries, civil society organizations and workers’ and employers’ organizations from eight northern provinces: Luang Prabang, Xayyabuly, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Louangnamtha, Huaphan, Phongsaly and Xiengkhouang provinces.

The draft strategy represents a shift in the country’s approach to eliminating child labour, with greater emphasis on tailoring interventions to local contexts and addressing the specific challenges faced by children and families in different areas.

Opening the consultation, Phongsavanh Saycocie, Director General of the Labour Management Department, highlighted that lessons from implementation of the previous National Plan of Action had informed the development of the new strategy.

"We had implemented the previous National Plan of Action, but some activities were not contextualized to the local context or effectively implemented. The government advised transforming it into a National Strategy to serve as a practical, localized tool for other sectors to protect child rights."

Participants emphasized that effectively addressing child labour requires tackling its underlying causes, particularly poverty, limited livelihood opportunities and uneven economic development.

Li Po Ja, Deputy Director of the Luang Prabang Labour and Social Welfare Department, highlighted the particular vulnerability of children and young people in remote communities.

"Poverty and economic pressures have forced children to drop out of school to find work, especially in the agriculture and hospitality sectors, where they are often taken advantage of. Solving this requires working closely with diverse sectors, including education, tourism, the Lao Women's Union, Lao Youth Union, agriculture and justice."

The draft strategy is intended to complement existing national legislation, strengthen awareness and action across sectors, and promote fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW). It also aims to strengthen coordination among relevant stakeholders to prevent and eliminate child labour, particularly in high-risk sectors.

As part of the validation process, participants identified areas requiring further attention before the strategy is finalized. These included the need for stronger coordination and communication among government agencies, private-sector actors and other stakeholders; improved monitoring and reporting mechanisms to identify, track and respond to child labour; and sufficient resources to ensure effective implementation in high-risk sectors.

Once finalized, the National Strategy for the Elimination of Child Labour 2026–2040 is expected to provide a framework for coordinated action to eliminate child labour, protect children from exploitation and promote decent work opportunities for young people of legal working age across the country.

© ILO

© ILO