04 May 2023, Attapue Province, Lao PDR - As part of a national system strengthening, LWU, with UNFPA support, opened in Attapeu a new Protection Shelter for Women and Children. This protection centre is supported by the Government of Japan through collaboration with UNFPA. It is part of a broader UNFPA investment to support LWU in coordinating improved social and health services for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response nationwide.
The establishment of this shelter provides access to safe spaces, which is a critical factor in a woman or girl’s decision to escape a violent domestic situation. Particularly for Attapeu, given the higher risk of disasters in the province, as well as the international borders, which increase transit, women and girls are at an increased risk of GBV.
Madame Inlavanh Keobounphanh, President of the Lao Women's Union, said, "I urge the provincial leaders and relevant sectors to pay extra attention in the cooperation and support of this protection centre to ensure that women and girls who have been victims of violence will receive the necessary protection and assistance they need, and in time. Especially important is the engagement of men in family institutions and communities, in all places and at all times.”
Mr Leth Xayyaphone, Governor of Attapue province, said, "On behalf of the party committee, the province and personally, I sincerely appreciate the Lao Women's Union, UNFPA, the Japanese Embassy in Laos for the financial and technical support to establish this counselling and protection centre for women and children in Attapeu."
The protection centres are part of the Essential Services Package (ESP) - a global good practice for a coordinated response by all sectors to provide survivor-centred services, which is being implemented by the Government of Laos with the support of UNFPA.
Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Representative, said, "I trust that under the leadership of Attapeu Province and Lao Women’s Union, effective coordinated actions to protect women and girls' rights will be taken. UNFPA will continue to support LWU Attapue in operationalising the shelter through Standard procedures for shelters aligned with the One-Stop Service Centre (OSSC) model. Where possible, an OSSC is designed to give survivors of violence access to holistic services under one roof and free of charge."
This shelter will provide a range of services for survivors, such as temporary accommodation, basic first aid, mental health counselling, legal advice, and vocational training. Additionally, it serves as a hub for referrals to other specialized sectors, making it an essential resource for survivors seeking support.
Ms Boundai Thammavongsa, an LWU staff member of the Attapeu Protection Center, said, "We are very happy that this protection centre will be up and running to support the people from our community. Prior to the official opening, the staff at our Attapue Shelter have been trained in the SOP for the Social Sector, which enables us to confidently provide effective social services to meet the needs of survivors.”
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UNFPA, the U.N.'s sexual and reproductive health agency, works in over 150 countries, including Lao PDR, to achieve zero maternal deaths, zero unmet family planning needs and zero gender-based violence.
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