Child Wise – Don’t turn away

Australians are travelling more than ever before.

In fact, over 10 million overseas departures by Australian citizens were recorded in 2005 and while most of us are responsible travellers who respect the culture, environment and people, tragically some Australians use their travel as an opportunity to sexually exploit children.  These offences, known as child-sex tourism, usually occur in the most vulnerable, underdeveloped countries, many of which are close neighbours to Australia. 

Child Wise is an Australian organisation working to prevent child-sex tourism throughout the ASEAN region.  Thanks to the long-term support of the Australian Government, Child Wise works in partnership with ASEAN governments, law enforcers, non-government organisations and tourism operators to protect children from sexual exploitation in countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam. 

Tragically, child-sex tourism occurs around the world.  UNICEF suggests that some two million children are harmed in situations of commercial sexual exploitation each year.  Children are particularly vulnerable in less developed countries where poverty seriously compromises protection mechanisms.  The problem has also been compounded by the growing ease of travel which has made it simpler for child-sex offenders to travel to locations where law enforcement is weak and anonymity is possible.

However, over the past decade, the collaborative efforts of Child Wise, ASEAN governments and AusAID has contributed to strengthened law enforcement, heightened surveillance and improved community awareness about child-sex tourism.  Child Wise has also developed and delivered specialised training for ASEAN tourism staff, enabling them to identify and report suspicious activities of travellers. 

Building on these efforts, a new campaign is making it even more difficult for child-sex offenders to harm children.  Heralded as a significant global achievement by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Child Wise joined up with Australia’s leading social marketing agency, Grey Worldwide, who donated their services to develop a child protection campaign which has received the unanimous support of all ASEAN governments. 

Currently being launched throughout the ASEAN region, the campaign encourages responsible tourists and local citizens to report situations where children may be at risk of sexual abuse.  As Australians regularly return from their travel with stories about situations that made them feel uncomfortable, the campaign urges them not to turn away – but to make a report to the authorities so that the case can be investigated appropriately.  Police hotline numbers have been established in all ASEAN countries, making it easy for concerned travellers and citizens to report suspicious behaviour of tourists with local children. 

Advertising including billboards, stickers and posters are beginning to appear in hotels, airlines, internet cafes, travel agencies, taxis and tuk-tuks in prime tourist destinations around Asia.  Now, at every turn, child-sex offenders should be aware that if they’re travelling to have sex with children, everyone will be watching.

We can all protect children.  If the behaviour of other tourists makes you feel uncomfortable, please inform the local authorities.  If you have concerns about Australians sexually exploiting children overseas, contact the Australian Federal Police 1800 813 784 or www.afp.gov.au

Child Wise is respected around the world for our child protection programs.  Child Wise started in Australia in 1993 and is part of the international ECPAT network operating in over 70 countries to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Child Wise go to www.childwise.net or phone 03 9645 8911

Written by Anita Dodds and Anneka Farrington