UN body to set up advisory committee on sexual exploitation

Bangalore, June 3 (UNI) The United Nations World Committee on Tourism Ethics has decided to set up an Executive Committee of the Task Force against sexual exploitation of children through tourism to advise from time to time on the issue.

Briefing newspersons after the two-day deliberations of the WCTE here, Special Advisor to the UNWTO Secretary General Dr D J De Villiers said several member countries had now realised the impact of sexual exploitation of children on tourism and had voluntarily implemented the code of ethics to prevent it. Several studies had revealed that sexual exploitation was only at the minimum level and could be effectively controlled through a willingness to impose the code of ethics, he added.

Replying to queries, he said the meeting also finalised two applications submitted under the procedures for consultation and concilliation for the settlement of disputes, considered two discussion papers on ethical questions related to overbooking and press trips paid for by a host destination and extended support to a human rights initiative. It also approved a new code of ethics passport, a pocket edition of the global code and other relevant instruments useful for its implementation.

The meeting was attended by a full complement of 14 committee members. The next meeting would be held in Funchal, the capital of Madeira.

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