Sex trafficking in Laos
Sex trafficking in Laos is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and slavery that occurs in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Laos is primarily an origin country for sexually trafficked persons. 

Sex trafficking victims in the country are from all ethnic groups in Laos and foreigners. Laos citizens, primarily women and girls, have been sex trafficked into other countries in Asia and different continents. 
They are threatened and forced into prostitution, marriages, and or pregnancies. Sex trafficked victims experience physically and psychologically trauma. They contract sexually transmitted diseases from rapes, and abuse and malnutrition are prevalent. Some women and girls are tortured and or murdered.

Sex trafficking and exploitation is pervasive throughout all levels of Laos society. Male and female perpetrators in Laos come from diverse backgrounds. A number of traffickers are members of or facilitated by gangs. 

The extent of sex trafficking in Laos is unknown because of the lack of data, the concealed nature of sex trafficking crimes, and other factors. Anti-sex trafficking efforts have been hindered by corruption, indifference, border management problems, and more.
Q181784
human trafficking
Concept
Q875521
sexual exploitation and slavery
Concept
Q819
Lao People's Democratic Republic
LOC
Q6619044
ethnic groups in Laos
UNK
Q48
Asia
LOC
Q5107
continents
Concept
Q12198
sexually transmitted diseases
Concept
Q12167
malnutrition
Concept
Q96405396
Sex trafficking in Laos
UNK
instance of