A NEW campaign was launched in Cambodia today to prevent child sexual exploitation in tourism and spread awareness of what tourists can do to make responsible choices during travel.
Child Safe Tourism is backed by World Vision Cambodia and Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, and also part of the Australian government’s Project Childhood Prevention Pillar initiative that wants to stamp out the sexual exploitation of children in the Mekong sub-region.
Phang Chanda, Project Childhood coordinator for World Vision Cambodia said that World Vision’s research showed many travellers “wanted to help at-risk children however, they were confused about what actions they could take and wanted more information”.
Since then, promotional material such as stickers, tent cards and signboards have been created and are being distributed in Cambodia’s major tourist destinations. The travel trade has also been engaged with the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents taking charge of spreading word on the campaign.
Said Phang Chanda: “These materials provide useful information and advice to help travellers make responsible choices and take a stand against all forms of child abuse. The materials will also allow local residents and private stakeholders to take more action to better protect children.”
The campaign has also been launched in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Hor Sarun, under secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism Cambodia, said: “Most tourists come to enjoy the beautiful attractions and culture that Cambodia has to offer, but child sexual abuse committed by a handful of tourists is a major concern for Cambodian society as well as the globe.”
