Country profile LAO
Context
Context
| Year | Age group | Proportion | Gender | Indicator | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 5-17 | 26.3 | Male & Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2017 | 5-17 | 26.3 | Male | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2017 | 5-17 | 26.2 | Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2017 | 5-17 | 28.2 | Male & Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity and household chores, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2017 | 5-17 | 27.4 | Male | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity and household chores, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2017 | 5-17 | 29 | Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity and household chores, by sex and age (%) | Source |
National Legal Framework
National Legal Framework
| Provision | Legislation date | Convention | Legislation info | sources | Value | sort_order | Provision description | Legislation description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List of hazardous activities prohibited for children | 2018 | C138 & C182 | Ministerial Decree No. 4182/MoLSW on the List of Hazardous Works for Young Persons | [{"link_name":"CEACR Observation","source_link":"https://www.ilo.org/normlex-permalink/comment/en/4353797"}] | Yes | 7 | C138 and C182 require the national determination of a list of hazardous work prohibited for children under 18 years of age. The competent authorities should consult with workers' and employers' organizations to determine what types of employment or work are considered to be hazardous. Such a list shall be periodically examined and revised as necessary. | Lao PDR has adopted Ministerial Decree No. 4182/MoLSW (2018), which defines a list of hazardous activities prohibited for young persons. The decree prohibits activities harmful to health, safety, and morals such as exposure to toxic chemicals, work with dangerous machinery, and contact with wild animals. |
| Minimum age for hazardous work | 2018 | C138 & C182 | Ministerial Decree No. 4182/MoLSW on the List of Hazardous Works for Young Persons - Section 4 | [{"link_name":"CEACR Observation","source_link":"https://www.ilo.org/normlex-permalink/comment/en/4353797"}] | 14 | 6 | C138 and C182 set 18 as the minimum age for hazardous work, which is defined as work that, due to its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to jeopardize children’s health, safety or morals. C138 and C182 allow countries to permit hazardous work exceptionally as from 16, provided that the health, safety and morals of the young persons concerned are fully protected and that they have received adequate specific instruction or training. | According to the CEACR Observation (2023), Section 4 of Ministerial Decree No. 4182/MoLSW (2018) permits children aged 14 to 18 to perform hazardous work provided they receive sufficient training, technical guidance, instruction, and safety tools. The CEACR expressed concern that this provision violates Article 3(3) of Convention No. 138, which only allows an exception for hazardous work from the age of 16. The Committee urged the Government to amend the Decree to ensure that children under 16 are not permitted to engage in hazardous work under any circumstances and requested updates on progress made toward this legislative correction. |
| Is the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, prohibited? | 2013 | C182 | Labour Law - Article 102 | [{"link_name":"Labour Law","source_link":"https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/96369/LAO96369%20Eng.pdf"}] | Yes | 11 | C182 prohibits the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. | Article 102 of the Labour Law (2013) prohibits the employment of youth in hazardous work, which includes the “trade or deception into the movement and production, transportation, possession of narcotics or addictive substances.” This provision clearly criminalises the involvement of children in drug-related activities, aligning with Convention C182’s requirement to prohibit the use, procuring, or offering of children for illicit purposes, including drug trafficking. |
| Is the use, procuring or offering of a child for the purpose of prostitution and for production of pornography prohibited? | 2005 ; 2006 | C182 | 2005, Penal Law - Articles 129, 132, 133, 134, 138 ; 2006, Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children - Article 86 | [{"link_name":"-Penal Law","source_link":"https://laoofficialgazette.gov.la/kcfinder/upload/files/1Oct2020_Lao%20Penal%20Code_English%20version.pdf"},{"link_name":"-Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children","source_link":"https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/L7_Law-on-the-Protection-of-the-Rights-n-Interests-of-Children-2007.pdf"}] | Yes | 10 | C182 prohibits the use of a child under the age of 18 for prostitution, regardless of the child's consent. The use, procuring or offering of any person under the age of 18 for commercial sexual exploitation constitutes a worst form of child labour, even if prostitution is a legalised. In regard to the prohibition of child pornography, States need to make sure that national legislation addresses the involvement of a child in the production of pornographic materials, including non-recorded performances. | Lao PDR's legal framework prohibits the use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution and the production of pornography. Article 129 of the Penal Law criminalizes sexual intercourse with a child under 15 years of age. Article 132 addresses the procurement of female minors into prostitution, imposing penalties for such actions. Article 133 criminalizes forcing individuals under 18 into prostitution, with penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and substantial fines. Article 134 defines human trafficking, including for purposes of prostitution and pornography, as a criminal offense, especially when involving children under 18. Article 138 prohibits the dissemination of pornographic materials, and Article 86 of the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children specifically addresses child pornography, criminalizing its production, distribution, and sale, with penalties of one to three years of imprisonment and fines. |
| Is forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 for use in armed conflict prohibited? | 1994 | C182 | Law on Military Service | [{"link_name":"Law on Military Service","source_link":"https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/cscoal/2008/en/60119"}] | Yes | 9 | C182 defines forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 for use in armed conflict as a worst form of child labour. Nevertheless, C182 only prohibits the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18, and does not cover the voluntary recruitment of children under 18. | The Law on Military Service (1994) establishes the legal framework for conscription in Lao PDR. According to this law, all men between the ages of 17 and 26 are liable for military service, and between the ages of 15 and 25 in special circumstances. Call-up for military service usually takes place at the age of 18. While the law provides for conscription, it does not explicitly prohibit the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 into armed forces. However, Lao PDR has ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC) in 2006, declaring that the minimum age for voluntary recruitment into its national armed forces is 18 years. This commitment aligns with the requirements of Convention C182, which prohibits the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 into armed forces. |
| Is the sale and trafficking of children for sexual and labour exploitation prohibited? | 2015 | C182 | Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law | [{"link_name":"Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law","source_link":"https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/103108/LAO103108%20Eng.pdf"}] | Yes | 8 | C182 defines all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour as worst forms of child labour. | The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law (2015) criminalizes all forms of human trafficking, including the sale and trafficking of children for sexual and labour exploitation. The law defines trafficking in line with international standards and prescribes penalties for offenders. Additionally, the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children (2007) provides further safeguards against the exploitation of children. |
| Minimum age for admission to apprenticeship | 2013 | C138 | Law on Technical and Vocational Education and Training - Sections 9, 10, and 11 | [{"link_name":"CEACR Observation","source_link":"https://www.ilo.org/normlex-permalink/comment/en/4353797"}] | No | 5 | C138 does not apply to work done in school for general, vocational or technical education or in training institutions or work done by children at least 14 years of age in undertakings, where such work is carried out in accordance with conditions prescribed by the competent authority. Such work must be an integral part of: (i) a course of education or training for which a school or training institution is primarily responsible; (ii) a programme of training mainly or entirely in an undertaking, which programme has been approved by the competent authority; or (iii) a programme of guidance or orientation designed to facilitate the choice of an occupation or of a line of training. | The CEACR noted that Sections 9, 10, and 11 of the Law on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (2013) do not set a minimum age for engagement in apprenticeships. The Committee emphasized the importance of establishing a minimum age of at least 14 years for admission to apprenticeship programs to ensure compliance with Article 6 of Convention No. 138. It requested the Government to amend the law accordingly to prevent children under 14 from undertaking apprenticeships. |
| Is the minimum age for admission to work not less than the age for completion of compulsory schooling? | 2013 | C138 | Labour Law - Article 101 | [{"link_name":"-Labour Law","source_link":"https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/96369/LAO96369%20Eng.pdf"},{"link_name":"-CEACR Direct Request","source_link":"https://www.ilo.org/normlex-permalink/comment/en/4325097"}] | Yes | 4 | C138 requires that the minimum age for admission to work shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling and, in any case, shall not be less than 15 years. | Article 101 of the Labour Law (2013) permits the employment of children from the age of 14. The Education Law, revised in 2015, raises the age of compulsory education to at least 14 years, making primary and lower secondary education compulsory. While the minimum age for employment is set at 14, which aligns with the end of compulsory education. |
| Light work - Determination of types and conditions of activities | 2013 | C138 | Labour Law - Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 | [{"link_name":"-Labour Law","source_link":"https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/96369/LAO96369%20Eng.pdf"},{"link_name":"-CEACR Observation","source_link":"https://www.ilo.org/normlex-permalink/comment/en/3963333"}] | Yes | 3 | If the country chooses to allow light work, States must determine what activities are considered light work, and the hours and the circumstances under which they may be carried out. | According to the CEACR Observation on Convention No. 138 (2018), the Ministerial Decree on the List of Light Work for Young Persons was adopted in 2016. Pursuant to Sections 1 and 2, children aged 12–14 years are permitted to perform light work that does not jeopardize their physical, moral or mental development or interfere with their education. Section 3 contains a detailed list of permitted light work in the services, industry, handicrafts, and agricultural sectors. Section 4 provides that a child may not work more than two hours per day on school days or six hours during holidays. Section 5 prohibits overtime work, night work (between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.), and other specified forms of work. |
| Minimum age for light work | 2013 | C138 | Labour Law - Article 101 | [{"link_name":"Labour Law","source_link":"https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/96369/LAO96369%20Eng.pdf"}] | 12 | 2 | C138 defines light work as work that does not interfere with children’s schooling, or their ability to benefit from it, and that is not hazardous. C138 allows countries to permit light work for children younger than the general minimum age. For countries that set the minimum age at 15, this means children aged 13-14, and for those that set it at 14, children aged 12-13 may engage in light work. | Article 101 of the Labour Law allows the employment of children under 14 but not younger than 12 years of age for light work only. Such work must not negatively impact the child’s physical or psychological health and must not obstruct their attendance at school, professional guidance, or vocational training. The list of acceptable light work is specified separately. |
| Minimum age for admission to work | 2013 | C138 | Labour Law - Article 101 | [{"link_name":"Labour Law","source_link":"https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/96369/LAO96369%20Eng.pdf"}] | 14 | 1 | C138 establishes 15 as the minimum age for work in general. Developing countries have the option of setting a minimum age of 14 as a transitional measure as they strengthen their education systems and economies. | Article 101 of the Labour Law (2013) stipulates that employers may accept employees under the age of 18 years but not younger than 14 years. However, they are prohibited from working overtime. When necessary, employers may accept and use youth employees under the age of 14, but not younger than 12 years, and must ensure the work is light work, such as tasks that will not negatively impact the body, psychology, or mind, and that will not obstruct attendance at school, professional guidance, or vocational training. |
International Legal Framework
International Legal Framework
| Ratification status | Convention | Convention description | Date of ratification | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in-force | C182 | Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) | 13-JUN-2005 | Source |
| in-force | C138 | Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) | 13-JUN-2005 | Source |
Policies and Plans
Policies and Plans
| Description | sources | Period | Policy name | Implementing agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This strategy aims to strengthen sectoral policies in education, training, health, social protection, and employment to improve access for child labourers and vulnerable children to essential services. It seeks to enhance the quality and availability of educational services to retain children in school and integrate child labour concerns into agriculture sector policies. The plan also promotes awareness-raising on child labour laws among workers, employers, and the public, and institutionalises mandatory training for law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, and labour inspectors. It further aims to institutionalise data collection on child labour and school attendance through the creation of a database and the implementation of a second National Child Labour Survey in 2020. | [{"link_name":"National Strategy and Plan of Action on Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour","source_link":"https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC%2FC%2FLAO%2F3-6&Lang=en"}] | 2014–2020 | National Strategy and Plan of Action on Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour (2014–2020) | Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare |
| The NSEDP serves as the country's overarching development framework, aiming to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It integrates strategies to reduce poverty, enhance human resources, and improve governance, with specific attention to vulnerable groups, including children. | [{"link_name":"9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan","source_link":"https://www.effectivecooperation.org/content/lao-national-socio-economic-development-plan-2021-2025"}] | 2021–2025 | 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) (2021–2025) | Ministry of Planning and Investment |
| 1. Overarching Goal To reduce trafficking in persons in the Lao PDR by comprehensively strengthening the capacity of the National Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons and other relevant sectors, enhancing awareness raising campaigns nationwide as well as mobilizing all sectors of society, Government organizations, the private sector, and international organizations to participate and contribute towards the common goal and effort by utilizing all preventive and combative measures possible in order to protect the rights and benefits of victims of trafficking in persons and bring traffickers to justice. 2. Specific Goals 2.1. Goals 1: Develop and revise legislations, guidelines, teaching-learning curriculums, and other tools so that they can become the foundation for supporting the implementation of anti-TIPs activities at the central and local levels 2.2. Goal 2: Promote the development of human resources and improvement of internal and external coordinating mechanisms to ensure quality and effectiveness of anti-trafficking in persons activities; 2.3. Goal 3: Raise awareness on how to protect oneself and proactively participate and contribute towards anti-TIPs efforts by utilizing all forms and methods to ensure comprehensive outreach to societies specifically women, children, and vulnerable groups. 2.4. Goal 4: Enhance enforcement of the law, timely and accurate identification of victims, and strictly punish perpetrators. 2.5. Goal 5: Develop and improve the statistical database for trafficking in persons cases to ensure coordination and exchange of information systematically. 2.6. Goal 6: Encourage and promote the protection and assistance of victims of trafficking in persons and vulnerable groups; 2.7. Goal 7: Promote skills development and efficient management of the labor force in order to ensure that they do not become victims of trafficking in persons; 2.8. Goal 8: Promote cooperation, relations, and mobilization of technical and financial assistance from foreign countries at the regional and international level; 2.9. Goal 9: Periodically monitor and evaluate the implementation of the National Plan of Action. | [{"link_name":"National Plan of Action on Anti-Trafficking in Persons Phase III","source_link":"https://laopdr.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1906/files/National%20Plans%20of%20Actions%20on%20Anti-Trafficking%20in%20Persons%20%28NPA%29%20Phase%20III%20%282021-2025%29.pdf"}] | 2021–2025 | National Plan of Action on Anti-Trafficking in Persons Phase III (2021–2025) | National Committee on Counter Trafficking in Persons |
| This plan focuses on preventing and responding to violence against children in all settings, including homes, schools, and online. It outlines strategies for prevention, protection, and multisectoral coordination to address and reduce instances of violence. | [{"link_name":"National Plan of Action on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence against Children","source_link":"https://www.unicef.org/laos/media/10071/file/NPA%20on%20VAC%20Infographics_Eng_23Aug_Final.pdf"}] | 2021–2025 | National Plan of Action on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence against Children (2021–2025) | National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children (NCAWMC) |
| This plan aims to strengthen the child protection system in Lao PDR by enhancing legal frameworks, improving social services, and ensuring effective coordination among stakeholders. It focuses on protecting children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. | [{"link_name":"National Plan of Action for Child Protection System Strengthening","source_link":"https://www.unicef.org/laos/media/8851/file/UNICEF_NPA%20on%20CPSS_Eng_A4_25Jan.pdf.pdf"}] | 2022 – 2026 | National Plan of Action for Child Protection System Strengthening | Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare |