ECPAT Norway’s Global Study Launch

Public Opinion is Clear: Urgent Legislation Required to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation! Read the story

On 22 November 2016, ECPAT Norway and ECPAT International organised the Consultation on Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism in Oslo, Norway, with support from the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Special Representative on Violence against Children. Participants comprised of members from the Norwegian Government, non-governmental actors, and representatives from international and regional networks and organisations. ECPAT International’s Deputy Executive Director of Programmes, Ms. Junita Upadhyay attended the Consultation and consequently presented the Global Study report, Offenders on the Move – SECTT in Norway. The main aim of the Consultation was to gather international and national experts to discuss how to strengthen legislation, policy and practice to eliminate SECTT in Norway and abroad. The objectives were to:

– Explore efforts to raise awareness on trends and key challenges related to sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism at the international level and in Norway;

– Share promising practices in legislation, policy, enforcement and practice that can effectively prevent and respond to sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism both on national, regional and international levels;

– Discuss the roles and responsibilities of different actors including bilateral, regional and international cooperation and cross-border challenges; and

– Mobilise action to achieve VaC-related Sustainable Development Goal targets.

Recommendations and outcome of this Consultation will effectively contribute to Norway’s national report in addressing sexual exploitation of children including in travel and tourism.