USAID Laos COUNTER TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS QUARTER 3 PROGRESS REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 2018

The program's objectives include strengthening the Government of Lao PDR's response to human trafficking through improved coordination and cooperation, improving access to economic opportunities and employment among vulnerable populations, and increasing access to support and services among trafficked persons. The program has been working in close coordination with the USDA-funded CLEAN program to pursue approval of Winrock's Operation Permit (OP) for Laos. The Chief of Party (COP) has utilized various strategies to increase pressure on the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) to move forward with their approval of the OP, including calling the Deputy Director of MPS Cabinet and seeking support from the Deputy Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Department (ATD) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). In early May, the COPs of the USAID Asia CTIP and USAID Laos CTIP programs met with Dr. Phengsavanh Thipphavongsay, the Head of the Secretariat to the National Steering Committee on Counter Trafficking in Persons (NSC), and his team. Dr. Phengsavanh responded positively to the plans and mission of USAID Lao CTIP and advised some small adjustments to the goal and objectives within the concept note. In response to feedback from Dr. Phengsavanh, the concept note was revised and Dr. Phengsavanh issued a letter to MOFA to approve the OP for Winrock. The USAID Laos CTIP COP continues to hold meetings with numerous government officials and development partners to share information on TIP in the Lao context with partners. The COP will continue to seek support on the OP from the government and advise the government on the project's progress. The program's key accomplishments for the third quarter of FY2018 include meeting with the Head of Secretariat of the NSC, attending a Sexual Misconduct discussion, continuing meetings with development partners, and attending a Human Trafficking Working Group meeting. The COP traveled to Bangkok twice during Q3, attending a USAID Rules and Regulations training and a session on lessons learned in project management, communications, and technical implementation of the Cambodia CTIP project. In Q4, the USAID Laos CTIP COP will continue following up with the International Department of MPS and seeking support from outside stakeholders to move towards final approval of the OP. Once the OP is approved, the COP will start the MOU process and begin implementing project startup activities. The program's approach will be purposeful and based on consultations with the Government of Lao PDR and CTIP stakeholders, operating within the context of what the Government of Lao PDR and their partners are currently supporting, as well as what they are identifying as needs in the response to human trafficking. The program's objectives are aligned with the Lao National Plan of Action on TIP and Lao legislation, and the program will operate in close coordination with the Government of Lao PDR and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives.