Cooperation between Public and Private sectors in Combating Child Sex Tourism in Sri Lanka Mr. Udaya Nanayakkara Chairman Sri Lanka Tourist Board
The Paradise Island
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere - Martin Luther King
Estimates of child sex workers Bond (1980) 2000 Department of Police (1985) 2000 Department of National 30,000 Planning (1991) PEACE (1999) 15000 It is estimated to be around 15000
CAUSALITY Causes are many Economic disparity, lack of awareness, urban rural migration, gender discrimination family break down - Causes are multi- factorial, multi dimensional - Therefore addressing CST needs multiple approaches - Most importantly collaboration from Governmental and Private sectors- not only the Tourism sector but many other sectors
Areas for intervention Lack of awareness among children and parents/community Tourists not aware of Sri Lanka zero tolerance Insufficient private sector contribution Deficiencies in implementing policies and legislation Ineffective coordination between social authorities, DCPC s, NGOs and police etc
Increasing Child Sex Tourism in Sri Lanka The responsibility is not solely with the private tourism sector although many incidents have been reported from private hotels and dwellings It is mainly with the SLTB as the regulatory body that ensure promotion of responsible tourism The responsibility of public sectors such as police, judiciary in combating CST should not be undermined Is also with other sectors such as Education, Social Services, Women's and Child Development, National Child Protection Authority etc. It also lies with non-governmental organizations, religious establishments
Stages of Combating CST project Project conceptualization Project Planning Project implementation Project monitoring and evaluation
Project conceptualization & Planning The combating CST project is the brainchild of SLTB The SLTB - UNICEF discussions held in 2005 lead to the development of the project The Government of Sri Lanka is supporting the project to their maximum
Project conceptualization & Planning...cont A participatory approach was followed during the planning stage. The planning group consisted of many members from private and public sectors Ministries of Tourism and Justice, Sri Lanka Police, Department Immigration and Emigration, Education Ministry, Department of Social Services, Probation and Child Care, Civil Aviation Authority and Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Ministry of Women & Child Development..etc Hoteliers, Tour operators, Air Lines Parents, Children them-selves
Project conceptualization/ Planning
Our Vision Sri Lankan Children live free from sexual abuse and exploitation in the hands of tourists
Our Mission Sri Lanka Tourist Board together with the tourism industry and in collaboration with development partners, is committed to ending sexual abuse and exploitation of children due to tourism
Goal To eradicate Child Sex Tourism from Sri Lanka
Strategic Objectives 1. To increase the community awareness in affected areas on CST and risks factors 2. To ensure that all tourists are made aware of the tourism industry s zero tolerance of CST, the relevant laws and penalties 3. To involve private tourism sector to play a proactive roles in combating CST 4. To bring in new policies, laws and regulations to combat CST 5. To maximize the coordination with police, social authorities, DCPC s and NGOs in tourist areas
Project Launch &Implantation
Project Launch
To increase the community awareness
Bill Boards, T.V spots etc
To ensure that all tourists are made aware of the tourism industry s zero tolerance
Counter stand
On Embarkation card Zero tolerance On flight documentary Air Port Sign Boards
To involve private tourism sector to play a proactive roles in combating CST
To bring in new policies, laws and regulations to combat CST Mobilization of Tourist Police
Curriculum Development Sri Lanka Police, Three Wheel Drivers and Vendors
Sri Lanka Police High Level Advocacy Meetings
Awareness Programmes for Three Wheel Drivers, Hoteliers and School Van Operators
Various Meeting Held with Hoteliers, PHI and Divisional Secretary
To maximize the coordination with police, social authorities, DCPC s and NGOs in tourist areas
Responsibility Create a more responsible tourism industry in Sri Lanka one vigilant against child exploitation
Thank you