Code of Conduct to Prevent Human Trafficking
Multinational corporations operating in countries with repressive governments, weak rule of law, endemic corruption, child exploitation, or poor labor standards could face serious risks to their reputation and share value if they are seen as responsible for, or complicit in the child sex tourism industry.
In 2003, The World Tourism Organization (WTO) and End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund, created a global Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism, applying to suppliers of tourism services worldwide.
Travel, tourism, and hospitality companies can sign the Code of Conduct to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism, which requires them to implement the following measures:
- Establish a corporate ethical policy against commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC);
- Place clauses in contracts with suppliers stating a common repudiation of CSEC;
- Report annually on their progress;
- Train tourism personnel;
- Provide information to travelers;
- Provide information to local “key persons” at travel destinations.
