June 2021 marks the tenth anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the globally recognized framework for State duties and business responsibilities in preventing and addressing business-related human rights abuse.
Join us for a conversation on progress made versus existing gaps, and call for prioritising child protection as part of the Next Decade of Business and Human Rights.
Children’s rights still not a priority
Although many businesses refer to the UNGP and other human rights guidelines, children’s rights still need to be equally perceived as an intrinsic part of human rights frameworks. In the travel and tourism sector, awareness about the sexual exploitation of children has increased over the last decade among ‘frontrunner’ businesses, many of which are members of The Code (www.thecode.org). Much more needs to be done to improve national legal and policy frameworks, and step-up the accountability of business to prevent sexual exploitation of children.
Sexual exploitation of children carries on
Sexual exploitation of children has not stopped with the closure of borders and travel restrictions – offenders who transitioned to online exploitation of children are likely to travel to commit hands-on abuse when the restrictions ease. As countries confront the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis and its growing economic and social impacts on children, their families, and entire communities, key partners representing CSOs, governments, and business will discuss progress made versus existing gaps, and call for prioritising child protection as part of the Next Decade of Business and Human Rights.
A discussion about progress so far and the gaps we need to address
Join us for a conversation on this issue, on the 23rd of June, 2-4pm (Bangkok time). The event will highlight key issues related to child protection that need to be prioritised as part of the next decade of BHR.
Speakers include the representatives of: GIZ; UNICEF; German Embassy, Bangkok; Studiosus; DER Touristic; VP Global Strategic Transformation, American Express Global Business Travel representing Trafficking Task Force of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and ECPAT members from Ethiopia, the Philippines and Vietnam.