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Somaly Mam Foundation and AFESIP Cambodia Visit AFESIP Laos

From 17 to 20 of June, 2010, Ms. Somaly Mam, founder and president of Somaly Mam foundation (SMF) accompanied by Ms. Charlotte Salasky, director of anti-trafficking programs (SMF), and part of AFESIP Cambodia’s team came to visit AFESIP Laos. This was the fourth time Somaly Mam visited Laos. First time she came on official visit was in 2006 for the opening of Vientiane rehabilitation centre and the last time was in December, 2009 to follow up the activity which are being supported by Somaly Mam Foundation.  

This visit was aimed at strengthening the bilateral collaboration and exchange the lessons and experiences between the two sister organizations AFESIP Cambodia and AFESIP Laos but also at following up the implementation of activities funded by SMF in Laos.

The information exchange session was run in 2 days in Savannakhet province in collaboration with Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MLSW). The information exchange session is focused on shelter management in particular how to provide the best quality of rehabilitating and care to victims of human trafficking within both AFESIP shelters in Vientiane and Savannakhet province.

Furthermore, Voices for Change program that managed and implemented by former victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation under Somaly Foundation also paid their visit victims in AFESIP shelter in Savannakhet to share their stories and the impression of them. ‘’ it is not easy to understand the feeling and psychological consequences of the victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, I also believe that victims help victims can be a good commitment ’’ Ms. Syna a former victims and a Voices for Change Program Manager said.   

Both organizations brought together three department involved such Shelters, Outreach and Reintegration to present their activities, viewing, challenges, outlets and experiences during the information exchange session in Savannakhet province. Moreover, the teams visit reintegrated victims surrounding the city of Savannakhet province.        

AFESIP Laos is also supported by Somaly Mam Foundation in sheltering and scholarship supported for victims and many of AFESIP staffs. Somaly Mam Foundation and AFESIP Cambodia will pay their official visit AFESIP Laos again in the next six months.