Media Releases
Child-Sex Tourists Not Welcome In Asean
Child-sex tourists are not welcome in ASEAN was the strong message of ASEAN officials who gathered in Bangkok today for the annual Regional Taskforce Meeting to combat child-sex tourism.In an effort to stop the appalling sexual abuse of children by foreign travellers, senior tourism and law enforcement officials from all ten ASEAN-member countries shared examples of successful actions taken in the fight to protect ASEANs children.
With ASEAN experiencing a tourism boom (a record 51 million international visitor arrivals in 2005 and burgeoning tourist numbers expected in 2006 and beyond) ASEAN leaders attending the conference also restated their commitment to escalate practical actions to wipe-out out the abhorrent crime of child-sex tourism.
The Regional Taskforce represents a long-term partnership between ASEAN-member governments, the Australian Government, the ASEAN Secretariat and Australias leading child protection agency, Child Wise. This years meeting is hosted by Thailands Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Opening the meeting, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr Sakthip Krairiksh, announced, Growing tourism presents many benefits to our region, but the benefits are worthless if tourism increases our childrens vulnerability to sexual abuse. Thailand is pleased to cooperate with our ASEAN partners to eliminate child-sex tourism and build positive tourism which can be enjoyed by all.
The Australian Government, through AusAID, has supported activities of Child Wise in the ASEAN region since 1999. Australias Ambassador to Thailand, welcomed and supported ASEANs actions to prevent child-sex tourism and said Australia would continue practical work alongside ASEAN partners to prevent any Australian citizens from abusing children when they travel overseas.
Representing the ASEAN Secretariat, Deputy Secretary General, Mr Nicholas Tandi Dammen, appealed to ASEAN members to escalate their action to protect children. We have come a long way in our fight against child-sex tourism. But, we must remain vigilant, and I encourage you to escalate your actions in 2007 and beyond.
Presentations by law enforcers and tourism officials from every ASEAN country highlighted practical actions undertaken in 2006 which have seen ASEAN being recognised as a world leader in child protection by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
ASEAN governments have implemented policies, strengthened their monitoring and surveillance, provided training for tourism staff and recently launched a regional education campaign to stop child-sex tourism. Now at every turn, child-sex tourists should know that everyone is watching.
During the meeting, ASEAN governments applauded the efforts of local citizens and responsible tourists who have utilised the new hotline numbers and reported suspicious behaviour. In Thailand, concerned citizens can phone 1300.
For more information or for samples of campaign artwork, please contact: Anita Dodds +61 432 480 890�