Study on Repatriation and Social Reintegration Assistance: Lao Victims of Trafficking Returned from Thailand

Social reintegration is a key strategy of both the Lao and Thai governments in combating trafficking in persons and protecting victims of trafficking (VOTs). Processes, requirements, and services for repatriation and reintegration are enshrined in the legal framework in both countries, as well as contributed to by government agencies, development partners, and service providers. In general, social reintegration aims to provide support and services for victims of trafficking in order to assist their recovery from traumatic experiences, to uphold their rights, and to prevent the risk of being re-trafficked. Still, challenges remain in the successful implementation of repatriation and reintegration services on both sides of the border. This study was proposed by the CM4TIP project, a joint anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) project by Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to identify these challenges and make recommendations that will ultimately improve the repatriation and reintegration of VOTs from Thailand back to Laos.