Respect children's rights - in tourism, too!
In many countries, children have to work in tourism -
often long hours or even at night.
In some destinations, it is common
that children are sexually exploited by tourists.
These children and their families often live in poverty
and children are expected to contribute to the family income.
Even child trafficking can take place in tourism destinations.
Fixers offer families to employ their children
and thus to provide them with an additional income.
However, the children and / or their parents
often receive no money in the end.
The children are forced to work
or sold for sex services abroad.
This exploitation clearly violates international law.
In 1989, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted.
The Convention comprises 54 articles
and established the following four principles:
- non-discrimination;
- the best interests of the child;
- the right to life, survival and development;
- respect for the views of the child.
Protecting children against economic, sexual or other forms of exploitation
is particularly set down in Articles 32 and 34-36.
Then there is the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.
By signing this Code,
tour operators pledge to adhere to the criteria laid down therein
to protect children from sexual exploitation.
It is essential
that they state zero tolerance toward child prostitution,
communicate this within the company
and to customers
and implement appropriate measures.
Travellers can see which tour operators have signed the Code
at thecode.org
But tourists can also actively contribute
to the protection of children in the destination
by keeping their eyes and ears open.
Should you see a child working day and night
or someone taking a child that is obviously not theirs to their room
you can contact your tour operator
or the reception at your hotel.
Another possibility is to report at the platform
reportchildsextourism.eu
ECPAT International and the national ECPAT organisations
offer comprehensive information, including information on child protection in tourism.
On ecpat.net you can find contact information
for ECPAT organisations in 76 countries.
Respect children's rights
in tourism, too!
