The number of foreign travelers visiting Albania has increased significantly from year to year and the projections of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) are for continuous growth. The relationship between tourism and child sexual abuse has for years become a concern with an international focus. In Albania, the lack of information and awareness, both of the authorities, especially the Ministry of Tourism, and the tourism and travel industry, makes it more difficult to know the extent of the spread of this phenomenon and to address the problem.
There are many people, thanks also to technology, who engage in sexual abuse and exploitation of children during their travels, or organize trips to those countries where they have identified their victims. Albania is no exception in this regard, on the contrary, because a large part of the population lives in poverty, this can push families or even children themselves to come into contact with travelers and visitors to offer you sexual services or when the latter track and request such services.
The sexual exploitation of children for profit in Albania appeared after 1990, as a result of the political, social and economic changes that occurred during that period in the country. Although child trafficking for sexual purposes and child prostitution remain the two main manifestations of sexual exploitation, in recent years the sexual exploitation of children in tourism have created new challenges for child protection agencies.
Child sex tourism exists because there are always children and young people in difficult situations.
Poverty and other social issues, such as lack of education, can push young people into situations where they can be exploited. Children who are neglected and in need may be lured to engage in sex with adults in exchange for food and shelter. Adolescents may also be persuaded in exchange for expensive clothes and other gifts. New communities, created as a result of internal migration, are vulnerable to such phenomena, due to their weak social connections and support.
It is this context, that we are opening the public campaign “WAKE UP” – which is an open invitation to the authorities, the tourism and travel industry, anyone who lives in Albania or is on vacations in a hotel, in a tourist place, on the beach, in our entrance, on a trip, on a train or bus.
We can all see something that makes us feel uncomfortable or get the feeling that there is something wrong with an adult hanging out with a child or when they touch them inappropriately. It has become common to rent a house or a room to and from AIRBNB. Child abusers live next to us! They can be a neighbour having holidays next to your home! We don’t ask you to play the role of the police, but you can report it! If you are not comfortable talking to the police, write to us in your chat on our official website or contact us by phone, mobile or email. If even this does not convince you, call anonymously 116-111, the National Child Helpline in Albania.
WAKE UP! Report child sexual exploitation in travel and tourism!
Hashtags to be used by the Campaign
#fushataZGJOHU #Femijetesigurt #Femijetembrojtur #CRCAmbronfemijet
#CRCA/ECPATAlbania #BarnahusAlbania
