Child Rights in Laos

The majority of the Lao population are employed in the informal economy and in rural areas, where social protections and decent working conditions are lacking. Workers in these sectors are particularly vulnerable to socio-economic risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and threats to wellbeing, including food security, loss of employment or income and child labour. Women have been significantly affected by the pandemic due to their participation in the garment industry and informal work settings. This is compounded further by a lack of maternity protection and family-friendly workplaces.  

Natural resources is one of Laos’ main industries, with nearly two thirds of the country’s entire population employed in agriculture. The garment industry is the largest employer in manufacturing. Child labour is a challenge in Laos and it is estimated that more than 260,000 children aged 15-17 are working in small businesses and factories. Of the number who work, 260,000 are considered to be child labourers because of the time they devote to working each day. Many young workers, especially those in more informal settings, lack protection and career development opportunities or are shunned from jobs in more regulated formal sectors when they have not yet reached the age of 18.