Child protection is a responsibility we all share

Child labor and the sexual abuse of children and young people have been with us for decades, especially in tourism. They range from the exploitation of children as cheap labor in markets, laundries or restaurants to prostitution, pornography and the sale and trafficking of children in all forms. Voluntourism, orphanage tourism and major events offer criminals new platforms for their perversions. Not only tourists become perpetrators, but also locals. In Cambodia, for example, 75% of perpetrators are local, increased by the corona pandemic and the associated travel bans. In many countries around the world, the abuse of children is a taboo topic. Children have to contribute to the livelihood, bring in additional income and are exploited and sold. The physical and psychological consequences of abuse are immeasurable.

To combat the sexual exploitation of children in tourism, Planet B has signed “The Code”, an initiative launched by the child protection organization “Ecpat” in which tourism companies take up the fight against global child abuse in tourism  https://thecode.org/ourmembers

The companies draw up their own guidelines to prevent the sexual abuse of children, they train their employees, accordingly, include clauses in supplier contracts along the entire value chain, provide travellers with relevant information, report possible cases of abuse to the local authorities and submit annual reports to the code.

Abuse can happen anywhere: in bars, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, beaches, and campsites. When there are indications of sexual abuse, we are all called upon not to turn a blind eye but to help. Suspicious situations can be reported at www.nicht-wegsehen.net or anonymously at www.Ecpat.org. Of course, the information will be checked, so please don’t worry about false suspicions.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child describes, among other things, protection against sexual abuse and exploitation, exploitative work and trafficking as well as the right to parental care, education, and leisure time in 54 articles. Let’s do our part to help children get their rights and not just look away when situations seem suspicious to us.

“It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – J.K. Rowling

The world is looking forward to welcoming you.