A man who stays true to children’s rights advocacy

Child rights is no longer something new to the Lao media. Today, media professionals in Laos have greater clarity about the dos and don’ts when covering stories involving children. One of the people behind this change is Mr Tabongphet Phouthavong, Communications Specialist at UNICEF Lao PDR.

Mr Tabongphet and children in TaOi district, Saravan province, enjoy a video promoting child rights.

In recognition of his extensive contribution to building the capacity of the mass media to advocate for children’s rights, the President of the Lao PDR recently awarded Mr Tabongphet a Labour Medal. 
But how did his journey begin? What have his main achievements been? What lessons has he learnt along the way and that he would like to share with others? Vientiane Times interviewed him to gain an insight into his life’s work.
1. How did you start your career with UNICEF and what inspired you to join UNICEF?
Before joining UNICEF, I was working for the Lao Youth Union as a Social Mobilisation Officer. A few years later, I had the opportunity to work for a number of United Nations agencies. I was working as an Assistant to the Foreign Investment Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as a Secretary in the Communication Section of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as a National Information Officer also for UNDP, and after I completed my Master of Arts (Communications - Journalism) in Australia, I worked as a Public Information Advisor for the UNDP/NORAD National Assembly Project. My journey as a Communication Specialist with UNICEF finally began in the year 2000.
I was drawn to the field of children’s development because I grew up in rural northern Huaphan province so I understood how hard life can be for Lao children in rural areas. And as a father of three children, I also wanted to do something to help the next generation.
I was very happy then to have that opportunity to work with these UN agencies, especially with UNICEF.
2. What achievements are you most proud of during your time with UNICEF?
During my more than two decades working for UNICEF, I was actively involved in strengthening cooperation between UNICEF and the Government of the Lao PDR, particularly in the area of mass media, youth participation, and the promotion of children’s well-being. In 2004, I coordinated with Lao National Radio to build a network of youth reporters and media groups throughout the country. I provide strong technical support to the Mass Media Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism on capacity building of the Lao media, and the production and dissemination of information and materials to advocate for children’s rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. I have supported MOES to oversee the production of early childhood development TV programmes for children since 2012, including the popular show My House, which helped teach basic knowledge to children during the Covid-19 lockdowns. I actively work on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child with the National Commission for Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children (NCAWMC).
3. How do you feel about being awarded a Labour Medal?
It was a great honour because this is the first time a UNICEF National Officer has received an award from the President of the Lao PDR!
I still feel emotional when I think about the day that I received the medal since it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It’s wonderful to know that my work has helped improve children’s lives and has been a positive contribution to Lao society.
However, it is also important to note that my achievement cannot solely be credited to myself as it is also the result of the strong collective effort between the Government of the Lao PDR and UNICEF. My role is just to help coordinate that cooperation.
4. What is the most important lesson you have learnt at UNICEF?
Working with UNICEF, it is important to remember that the agency is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.
However, to fulfill UNICEF’s mandate, it is very important for us to work closely with our government partners. In my more than two decades of experience, an important lesson that I learnt is that building trust, strong cooperation and networks between UNICEF and our government partners is absolutely crucial, just like in any other human relationship, and we must continue to strengthen this bond to fully realise our mandate.
It is important to note that, in all my works, I always focus on development issues and try to avoid any sensitivities that may affect UNICEF and the relationship and cooperation with the Lao Government.
I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to both the Government of the Lao PDR and UNICEF for giving me the invaluable opportunity to work for Lao children. We at UNICEF are grateful for the strong partnership with the Government of the Lao PDR which has helped us deliver results for Lao children for almost five decades. Now UNICEF is very excited to continue this partnership with the Government of the Lao PDR and all partners in the country to further improve the well-being of Lao children.
UNICEF is now like my second home and is where I have spent most of my life. I strongly believe that UNICEF is among the best organisations around today serving children. I will try my best to work for the development of children – the future of our country!

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update September 9, 2022)