Lao officials report a steady increase in the abuses of children and women during the past 5 years, especially in the capital city of Vientiane.

abuse victim

An official with Laos Children's and Women's Rights Protection Center says more than 14,700 women have requested protection against  abuses for the past five years. Abuses against them include beating, rape, forced labor, forced prostitution, forced drug addication and drug trafficking.

Lao women who have gone to Thailand to work illegally have also fallen victims to abuses. Lao authorities say over 1,000 women have been rescued from brothels and sweatshops in Thailand and repatriated to Laos.

Listen to our Laos Today for more details.