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Did you know that RCD is part of an international protection network that promotes ending the sexual exploitation of girls, boys and adolescents in travel and tourism?
Did you know that RCD is part of an international protection network that promotes ending the sexual exploitation of girls, boys and adolescents in travel and tourism?
Tourism is considered one of the largest industries at the international level, since it generates a large number of jobs and economic resources throughout the world; It represents an entire economic, social and environmental phenomenon thanks to its impact. Unfortunately not all the effects surrounding tourism are positive, since years ago a very serious problem has been detected that in a negative way has brought all this economic waste, the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of girls, boys and adolescents in tourism and travel. (CSEC)
This problem has been growing rapidly, impacting not only tourist destinations, but also shops, entertainment centers, restaurants, bars and hotels.
How can we eradicate the problem?
It is considered that the main strategy consists of achieving a collective sensitization and awareness that involves all the participating spheres; from the travel agency, the airline, ground transportation, sale of tours to the lodging sites and all the personnel that work in them.
In order to eradicate the problem, we must know the subject in depth, so let's focus on the most important points:
1.What are the impacts that sexual exploitation generates on the victims?
Discrimination
Physical and emotional abuse
Consumption of drugs
Loss of self esteem
Sexualisation
Health risks
Unwanted pregnancies
Genital injuries
Loss of trust in authorities, family and adults in general
2. What are the impacts that sexual exploitation generates in society?
Rise in organized crime
Break the chain of sustainable tourism
To be a country that is part of this great problem
Belong to national and international networks
Health risks
Damage to the image of the destination
3. Where did the CSEC concept come from?
The concept "Commercial Sexual Exploitation of girls, boys and adolescents in tourism and travel" arises for 3 main reasons:
To replace the term "Child Sex Tourism", giving it a broader connotation since the previous term seemed to refer to a type of tourism, such as Ecological Tourism or Adventure Tourism; when in fact it is referring to a criminal activity.
In order not to limit this practice to tourists, it was decided to include the word "travel", since the operators are not necessarily tourists.
Within the first term, adolescents were excluded, this because the term infant is used for minors who are at most 11 years old; By including this term, we cover even those under 18 years of age.
4. What other information can be useful to us?
The internet has promoted this type of exploitation as it guarantees anonymity.
Most exploiters see the sexual exploitation of children as an opportunity.
Two types of sexual exploiters have been identified, the Preferential and the Occasional:
Preferentially, their main objective is the sexual exploitation of children (boys, girls and adolescents), that is why they are not interested in having to move from one place to another in order to achieve their objective.
Occasionally, they are those who, when traveling, see the opportunity to carry out this type of exploitation. Their motives are usually to experience something new and / or feel empowered.
Unfortunately, there is not a single profile, the research associations have found that even volunteers from international / national organizations are part of this exploitation network.
5.What is The Code and ECPAT?
The Code is an initiative created in 1998 by ECPAT Sweden, Tour Operators (TTOO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with the aim of involving the private sector of the tourism industry in a protection network to prevent CSEC.
Currently The Code has become an independent organization with more and more participants that generate a greater impact on society and therefore greater protection for children and adolescents.
For its part, ECPAT is recognized as a worldwide movement that aims to stop prostitution, pornography and CSEC.
What can I do to help eradicate CSEC?
1.Participate in the training offered in your workplace, come to your Training / Quality area to request more information.
2.Pass the information to your family and friends, you can use the following link to learn more about the subject:
3.Know the procedure and the Code of Conduct that we carry out in our business units, and most importantly, be part of it.
4.Stay alert, always be aware of your surroundings, there are behaviors that denote that something strange is happening:
Isolation of the minor
Lack of official documentation of the minor
Signs of physical abuse
Little affective relationship between the adult and the minor
Unintentional touching
Sexualized clothing
Different physical traits between the adults and the minor.
Different language between the adult and the minor.
Discomfort toward approaching an adult
Lack of mobility
-The Code/ECPAT-
¿Any questions?
¿Any questions?
Send an email to dkolbeck@rcdhotels.com for more information
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