The government has made efforts to improve the legal and regulatory framework for addressing these crimes, but capacity issues remain a persistent challenge in enforcing the existing laws. The legal framework could be further aligned with international norms. In November 2015, all ASEAN member states signed the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. In December 2015, the Lao National Assembly approved the first trafficking-specific law, promulgated in February 2016 (US Department of State, 2016).