thailand_children1

The following post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated since to reflect new travel dates: 

This November, ECPAT-USA (Ending Child Slavery at the Source) will be leading a groundbreaking journey to Thailand, called Behind the CODE: An ECPAT Advocacy Journey to Thailand, where a group of tourists will learn about the issue of trafficking and sexual exploitation.

How did this tour come to be? Like many trips, this journey to Thailand started with an idea.

Altruvistas was the first tour operator to sign The Code, and soon after signing it, Altruvistas founder Malia Everette approached ECPAT-USA with the idea of doing an advocacy journey together.

What is The Code?
The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct is a joint venture between the tourism private sector and ECPAT-USA, the leading anti-trafficking policy organization in the United States. This Code is the only voluntary set of business principles travel and tour companies can implement to prevent child sex tourism and trafficking of children.

Altruvistas-Signs-ECPAT-cod

ECPAT-USA’s Michelle Guelbart (L) watches as Malia Everette (R) signs ECPAT Code

When a company signs The Code it makes a commitment to do what it can to put an end to the commercial sexual exploitation of children. So far more than 1,300 tourism companies from 66 countries have joined, including Hilton.

ECPAT Development Associate Sarah Porter shares, “We were thrilled when Malia approached us with the opportunity to do an advocacy journey together, focused on the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation. It seemed like such a natural fit and overlap, as Altruvistas has been focused on socially responsible travel abroad, and ECPAT is an international network across the globe focused on ending the commercial sexual exploitation of children.”

For the record, under US law, anyone under 18 involved in prostitution/commercial sex is considered a victim of sex trafficking. As Sarah explains, “Children cannot consent to their bodies being bought and sold.”

Malia has been doing this work for years, helping groups of tourists to learn about the issue of trafficking and sexual exploitation through travel. But this is the first trip where Altruvistas and ECPAT-USA are working together to lead a journey to Thailand.

ECPAT-USA’s Executive Director, Carol Smolenski, has also been doing this work for a long time; over 23 years to be specific, when “human trafficking” wasn’t even a term yet. Sarah explains:

It existed, but there was no definition, no laws, no awareness, etc. Now, we see that more and more people are becoming aware, governments are taking initiative, NGOs are tirelessly fighting this issue, and survivors are gaining access to services. That’s a lot of progress. It’s inspirational to see a united front come together, all to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

Sarah admits the topic of this trip is a heavy one, but the goal is to focus on all the progress that has been made over the years. She believes that people ultimately will be encouraged and empowered by this journey, and take this education and awareness back home with them.

Trip participants will gain an educative perspective on the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation, and learn about how the CODE was initiated.

thailand-423_640Trip highlights will include:

  • A visit to ECPAT International’s headquarters in Bangkok, where participants will meet with local ECPAT staff, advocates from other organizations, legislators, and others.
  • Developing a better understanding of the scope of the issue, along with the legal framework and socio-economic factors that contribute to sex trafficking and exploitation in Thailand.
  • Exploring the progress being made on the ground and the work of the NGO sector, such as vocational training, public awareness campaigns, and other preventative services.
  • Travelers will also get to visit cultural heritage sites and temples, and of course, enjoy fabulous food and Thai hospitality along the way.

Sarah is looking forward to giving travelers an opportunity to learn more about this issue, and take that education back to their own communities. She believes, “People want to do something about this human rights abuse, but it can often feel like such an overwhelming issue. This is one tangible way to be involved and to give back.”

There’s an added bonus for travelers on this journey who like to give back; a portion of the trip proceeds will go to supporting ECPAT’s efforts in creating a world in which no child is bought, sold, or used for sex.

TAKE ACTION!

  • If you’re interested in becoming more educated, encouraged and empowered on this journey, visit Altruvistas to learn more about this life changing trip to Thailand, and check out the sample itinerary.
  • If you’d like to learn more about the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct, visit ECPAT USA.
  • If you’d like to learn more about the issue of child sex trafficking watch this short video: