UN seeks to protect children from tourism exploitation
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Posted on: November 18th, 2008 by Taylor Smith
An unprecedented growth in global tourism is creating the need for further action to eradicate child labour that is related to the tourism industry and also the sexual exploitation that accompanies it - and the United Nations is increasing its efforts in this regard.
A new campaign to raise awareness has been undertaken jointly by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Task Force to Protect Children in Tourism, with the aim of increasing the profile of exploited children.
It is believed that more than 218 million children are engaged in labour in travel destinations around the world, and millions of others are at risk of abuse and exploitation, according to International Labour Organization figures.
The UNWTO has taken the position that the tourism industry has a responsibility to protect children against child labour and the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children around the world.
The organisation continues to encourage the industry to adopt and enforce its Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, which strives to protect children against harm.
According to the campaign it is not acceptable for industry operators or the travelling public to tolerate any exploitation of children.
The new campaign was formally launched at London’s World Travel Market on 10 November 2008, and will have its global launch on Universal Children’s Day, which is observed on 20 November.
www.unwto.org
