BCD Travel Global Partnership with ECPAT
If every traveler knows the signs and knows how to help we can help end the commercial and sexual exploitation of children
BCD joined The Code in Germany a few years ago and made it a global partnership with ECPAT in 2017. ECPAT is the leading international organization seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. We partnered with them because it’s another way we express our passion for helping others as an important part of our Strategic Direction (human and social value). This partnership requires the implementation of the six criteria of the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) such as providing information to internal and external travelers as well as engaging stakeholders.
The Code (short for "The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism") is a multi-stakeholder initiative with the mission to provide awareness, tools and support to the tourism industry to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.
Both organizations have almost the same mission and work very closely together but nevertheless it‘s two organizations. What‘s for sure: ECPAT is a founding member of the Code back in 1996 and one could say that TheCode provides the framework for their mission to protect children and end sexual exploitation of children.
BCD Travel has a commitment to report to ECPAT / The Code on an annual basis. Our results as measured to 6 criteria are published publicly on their website.
Why the travel industry is in a unique position to help Travel management companies are uniquely positioned to raise awareness with travelers and partners about human trafficking and child exploitation. We will use our reach to raise such awareness and protect children. Traffickers often use air travel to transport victims between cities and countries, and often use hotels as venues to abuse victims. If every traveler knows the signs and knows how to help we can help end the commercial (sexual) exploitation of children.
Modern Slavery
The Numbers
There is an estimated 40.3 million people in modern slavery around the world.
Profits are estimated at $150 billion per year.
Children
People in forced labour
people in forced marriage
People in forced sexual exploitation
Signs
Trafficker has an unusual number of mobile phones
Victim has lack of access to travel documents and money
Victim has minimal luggage and clothing
Victim is restricted in movement and speech
Victim has indications of physical and emotional abuse
Learn more about ECPAT »