LuxairGroup Commits to Fight against Child Sexual Exploitation in Tourism and Travel

LuxairGroup has signed the Code of Conduct of ECPAT Luxembourg for the protection of children against sexual exploitation in tourism and travel.

The Code of Conduct was created by the ECPAT netowkr in 1996 in collaboration with OMT1 and the tourism sector as an internaitonal instrument to protect children against sexual exploitation in tourism and travel. The Code of Conduct has been managed by the tourism industry since 2005 and brings together tourism actors from across the world.

Through six criteria, which cover issues from the establishment of policies and procedures and training for staff, members of the Code of Conduct commit to joining forces to end this threat posed to children.

An ECPAT partner since 2009, Luxair has announced its decision to engage more actively in the protection of children, alongside other tourism stakeholders.

"By signing the Code, LuxairGroup is marking its belief that the tourism industry must act with governments and civil society to protect children against all forms of exploitation," commented Adrien Ney, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee of LuxairGroup.

To implement the principles of the Code, LuxairGroup will work closely with ECPAT Luxembourg, which has developed specialised training on the subject and provides assistance in the establishment of clear procedures for all members of staff.

"No on can overlook a situation of child exploitation, and it is important that each staff member knows what to do if he or she is facing such a situation," explained Victor Gillen, President of the Board of ECPAT Luxembourg.

The six criteria of the Code of Conduct are as follows:

1 - Establish a clear policy and procedures against the sexual exploitation of children;

2 - Train staff on children's rights, the prevention of sexual exploitation and reporting of suspected cases;

3 - Include in all contracts and at all levels a clause stating a common rejection and zero-tolerance policy towards the sexual exploitation of children;

4 - Provide information to travellers on children's rights and how to report suspected cases of child sexual exploitation;

5 - Support, collaborate and engage with stakeholders in the fight against child sexual exploitation;

6 - Provide annual reports on the implementation of the Code of Conduct.

Photo by LuxairGroup/ECPAT (L-R): Victor Gillen, ECPAT; Adrien Ney, LuxairGroup.