Sexual exploitation of children and international travel and tourism
Kevin Ireland
Child Abuse Review 2(4): 263-270
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0952-9136 DOI: 10.1002/car.2380020408Document Number: 338687
The sexual abuse of children in developing countries by international tourists has received increasing attention recently, much of it concentrating upon the activities of paedophiles. This paper argues that the reduction in individual and social constraints associated with tourism and international travel, and an easier access to children for sex in certain destinations, also increases the potential for 'situational' child sexual abuse to occur. It reports on a literature study of the situation in the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, which found extensive evidence of the use of children for sex by international tourists. The paper suggests that remedial action is required on three levels: in the tourist receiving and sending countries and in the international arena.