UNODC LAO PDR COUNTRY OFFICE
rug control has long been an issue in the Lao PDR. In 1998, the country ranked as the world third largest illicit opium producer (UNODC Opium Survey, 1998). At the time, the Lao PDR also had one of highest opium addiction rates in the world. However, and due to the Government's strong commitment to address the issue, from 1998 to 2005, opium cultivation was effectively reduced by 94 percent and opium addiction by 80 percent. In 2006, the Lao PDR declared its success in significantly reducing opium poppy cultivation.
Since the mid-90's however, transnational trafficking of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), Heroin and other illicit drugs significantly increased, and resulted in Laos becoming a transit point for drugs trafficked in the region. At the same time, the spillover effect of transnational drug trafficking resulted in the rise of cases of drug abuse, domestic crime, violence and other related problems.
Stories from the Lao PDR
Lao PDR Ready for Assessment of Anti-Human Trafficking Law and Further Development of Legal Framework with Support by UNODC and the United States
Vientiane, 10 May 2012 -Because of its location in the centre of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region and socio-economic vulnerability, Lao PDR has seen its people susceptible to threats of human trafficking. The Government of Lao PDR has been committed to fight against trafficking in human beings. The Country ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (the TIP Protocol) in 2003. Read more...
Foreign experts help strengthen Lao criminal justice system
Vientiane, 26 April 2012 - In March 2002, counter-terrorism collaboration between Lao People's Democratic Republic and UNODC took another step forward, with the National Experts Workshop on the Implementation of Lao PDR-UNODC Partnership on Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism, held in Vientiane on 27 March. Read more...
Lao PDR and UNODC Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Collaboration
Vientiane, 23 April 2012 - Legal experts from the United States and Japan have given a boost to judicial practitioners working in the Lao criminal justice system, at a workshop held in Vientiane yesterday. Three distinguished foreign experts - a US federal judge, an FBI agent, and a Japanese prosecutor - briefed participants on criminal procedures in their respective countries, including the expected roles of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, and private lawyers. The workshop provided information under the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) technical. Read more...
UNODC Supports the Protection of Human Trafficking Victims
Vientiane, 14 March 2012 - Nearly one third of global human trafficking involves women and children from South-East Asia. About 60 percent of this occurs within the region of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) itself. Read more...
The Royal Project Foundation and UNODC in partnership to sustain opium elimination in the Lao PDR
Vientiane, 13 March 2012 - His Serene Highness, Prince Bhitsatej Rajani, Chairperson of the Royal Project Foundation, Dr Siripong Hungspreung, Director of the Highland Research Development Institute and Mr. Leik Boonwaat, UNODC Representative to the Lao PDR signed a Letter of Intent on the 21 February 2012 at the Princess Lan Luang Hotel in Bangkok. Read more...
The Training of Customs Officers on Combating Cash Smuggling
Vientiane, 09 March 2012 - The global illicit flow of goods, guns, people, and natural resources is estimated at approximately $650 billion . The illicit drug trade is estimated to be worth roughly $320 billion and counterfeiting $250 billion. Read more...
Germany supports food security and alternative livelihoods for former opium poppy farmers through UNODC
Vientiane, 09 March 2012 - The German Government has generously funded US$1,561,500 through UNODC to continue the implementation of the Project "Increasing Food Security and Promoting Licit Crop Production and Small Farmer Enterprise Development in Oudomxay province, Lao PDR" . Read more...
17/12/2011 - Injecting drug use a painful issue
08/12/2011 - UNODC's Youth Ambassadors awarded for public stance against drugs
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Lao PDR: Authorities Sensitized on HIV and Harm Reduction
