Child sex tourism (CST) is a serious human rights violation, where adults travel abroad with the intention of committing sexual offenses against children. The exploitation of children by adults for sexual purposes is a heinous crime that can have serious and lasting consequences for the child victim.
ECPAT mission
End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT) is a global network of organizations that has been actively fighting child sex tourism since 1997. ECPAT’s mission is to eliminate trafficking and sexual exploitation of children by adults and children. work to create a world free from the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Facing the problem
ECPAT estimates that around 1.8 million children are trapped in prostitution each year, the majority of them girls aged 5 to 17. Many of these children are transported to different countries and put to work in brothels, massage parlors and other sex industries.
To combat this problem, ECPAT has identified several key strategies, including:
* Strengthen laws and policies to punish child sex tourists and criminalize the sexual exploitation of children.
* Increase awareness among tourists and travelers about the issue of child sex tourism
* Support prevention and intervention programs for victims of child sex tourism
*Provide assistance to survivors of child sex tourism in the form of counseling, legal support and educational services.
Victim stories
One example of the devastating impact of child sex tourism is that of a 13-year-old girl named Sophia who was lured to Greece from Romania with the promise of a job as an au pair. Instead, she was forced into prostitution and was repeatedly sexually assaulted by several clients.
“After this experience, I had to rebuild my life and find a new purpose. It took me a while to feel good about myself again, but with the help of counselors and therapists, I am slowly rebuilding my life.” Sophie shared.
ECPAT programs and initiatives
ECPAT has developed a series of programs and initiatives to combat child sex tourism and support survivors of the sex trade. Some of the programs include:
* International Campaigns for Justice: ECPAT works with law enforcement to track and prosecute child sex tourists, as well as to reform laws and policies that prevent child sex tourism.
* National prevention campaigns: ECPAT conducts public awareness campaigns to educate tourists about the issue of child sex tourism and the importance of not supporting it.
* Victim Support Programs: ECPAT provides counseling and support services to survivors of child sex tourism, including assistance with legal proceedings, medical care and housing.
* Capacity building initiatives: ECPAT supports local organizations and law enforcement to build their capacity to combat child sex tourism and protect victims.
A safer world
Together, we can create a safer world for children, where they are protected from the scourge of child sex tourism. By staying informed, reporting suspicious behavior and supporting organizations that combat child sex tourism, we can help ECPAT in its efforts to end child exploitation and abuse.
Learn more about ECPAT’s work and how you can get involved.
Remember that every little step counts and together we can make a difference for a safer and more equitable world for all children.
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