Tangible ways forward

The insights of the Global Study by the international child protection network ECPAT (2016b) force us all to rethink the status quo. It requires new and joined measures by governments, agencies, especially in the fields of travel and tourism, and civil society. The awareness raising and political advocacy work by non-governmental organisations such as ECPAT should also be redirected. Prevention campaigns that target classical forms of tourism are not sufficient. They do not reflect the most recent information on pro- files of perpetrators and trends. Activities and campaigns need to focus on travellers and tourists who stay in the destinations for longer periods of time.

Business travel, development work and voluntourism should no longer be neglected. Reducing the sexual exploitation of children will also help to achieve other SDGs. Invest- ment in effective protection systems, with a focus on prevention programmes, must be designed and adequately funded to avoid heavy social and economic burdens in the future and to ensure that >> Goal 3 is achieved (healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages). Currently, the magnitude of child sexual exploitation makes it a public health emergency. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.) demonstrates the dramatic consequences of child sexual abuse on the health of survivors, including depression, alcohol and other substances consumption, and lower life expectancy.

Cross-sector collaboration is essential. Governments could create platforms for the participation of child rights organisations as well as other key actors (particularly the private sector, communities, survivors and children and young people themselves) in the development of indicators as well as in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of national policies on the SDGs.

Companies that take action are uniquely positioned to help achieve the SDG targets aimed at the protection of children. Private companies cannot be passive bystanders, but have to be actively involved in protecting children’s rights.