As part of AccorHotels’ WATCH programme, AccorHotels Vietnam reinforces its commitment against the sexual exploitation of children by joining the efforts of The Code.
Vietnam is the newest country in the AccorHotels network to sign The Code, an industry-driven initiative supported by ECPAT, UNICEF and The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism is a global phenomenon and results in thousands of children being exploited by travellers in many tourist destinations.
Abuse includes all forms of sexual exploitation including prostitution, pornography and trafficking. Every year, as many as 1.8 million children are victims of commercial sexual exploitation worldwide.
Over the past 15 years, AccorHotels has been fighting against sexual exploitation of children by informing and training employees, raising awareness among guests and suppliers, introducing reporting procedures and strengthening relations with authorities to combat these practices through WATCH (We Act Together for Children), the AccorHotels’ children protection programme.
Since 2001, AccorHotels has led the fight against sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism alongside ECPAT International and local NGOs. It is the right thing to do and the signing of The Code of Conduct underscores our commitment to this cause – said Lynn Lee, Sustainable Development & Communications Director for AccorHotels Asia Pacific.
Protection of children is one of the priorities of Planet 21, AccorHotels’ CSR programme, and we are proud to share that almost 90% of our hotel network globally have pledged to protect children.
The signing ceremony which took place at ITB Asia aims to raise awareness and support against the sexual exploitation of children.
AccorHotels provides a leading example of how companies in the travel and tourism industry can take practical steps to help protect children – said Damien Brosnan, Programme Manager of The Code.
Read the full press release here.
