Soroptimist International’s UN Vienna Representatives report back from the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for a second time – this time, they focus on the importance of responsible and ethical tourism if we are to see a global reduction in trafficking and sexual exploitation.
At the 21st session of the Commission on
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna (April 24-27), UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedetov and UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai,
invited civil society to a panel entitled: “Building Better Responses:
Human Trafficking in the Context of Tourism”. This referred to a previously
co-signed Memorandum, emphasising
the need for a tourism industry which contributes to anti-human trafficking
efforts and addresses the promotion of ethical touris.
One seventh of the world population is expected to
travel to other places in the world in 2012. Tourism has now become a major
global phenomenon that contributes greatly to economic growth, development and
job creation, establishing international understanding, peace and prosperity.
However, it also creates the potential and opportunity for organised crime, including the
trafficking of persons (especially women and children), exploitation and
smuggling of illicit goods.
The panel found that in the context of tourism, victims of trafficking are most often enslaved for
sexual purposes, but
can also be found working in kitchens, as cleaners in guesthouses and as restaurant and bar
staff. Even organs from victims of trafficking are sold on the black market to meet the growing demand for organ donors.
ECPAT International started a campaign in 2008 called “Don’t let child abuse travel”. ECPAT
International campaigns for the implementation of the agendas for action
through advocating governments and civil society to end commercial sexual
exploitation of children: child prostitution, child pornography, and the
trafficking of children for sexual purposes.
Codes of conducts for tourism companies have
been developed and were publish by the UN General Assembly in 2001. Laws
have since been enacted that allow for the prosecution of tourists in their
resident country who engage in sexual conduct with children abroad.
Many successful anti-human trafficking campaigns,
including UN.GIFT, already
distribute awareness-raising material in planes, airports and hotels around the world.
Companies are also encouraged to offer employment opportunities to former
victims of human trafficking.
These efforts need to be strengthened and built
upon if we are to see a global reduction in tourism supported exploitation.
A large hotel chain has taken a comprehensive
approach to such human rights abuses through policy commitments and staff
training. Employees have to undergo 6 months of training to be able to recognise,
stop and report any kind of exploitation. Vulnerable young people, including
rehabilitated victims of human trafficking, are provided with new life
opportunities through offers of employment, training and work experience. A spokesperson said:
“We can and do work with governments and law enforcement
on prosecuting these crimes, but we also wanted to work on prevention. The root
cause is poverty".
The Youth Career Initiative is a programme developed
by the International Tourism Partnership and the International Business Leaders
Forum, headquartered in London,
England.
Their aim is to raise awareness of human trafficking in the tourism sector. By
enhancing the public image of companies in terms of encouraging a vocal and proactive stance against trafficking and exploitation, companies can ultimately benefit from
more business whilst demonstrating corporate and ethical responsibilities.
The
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism urges tourists to:
- Honour local traditions and customs;
- To support the local economy by buying locally made handicrafts and
products and avoiding counterfeit products and items that are prohibited
by national/international regulations;
- To respect the environment, to protect wildlife and their natural
habitats; - To be an informed and respectful traveller, respecting and
promoting human rights, observing national laws, protecting children from
exploitation.
As we enter the holiday season, think about what your business can do to help protect the victim/survivors of trafficking in your community. And if you are travelling abroad or have links with the international tourism industry, promote the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism as far and as wide as you can.
The Vienna Team
May 21 2012