Tourists can help stop child sex tourism in Peru

Travelers are banning together to help put an end to child sex tourism, or trafficking, out of Peru with a new campaign that aims to put pressure on the Peruvian government to pass sterner laws regarding the commercialization of children.

A new coalition of five non-profit groups, spearheaded by Berkeley-based Ethical Traveler, has launched the campaign. Highlighting the horrible plight of children trapped in the cluthces of Peru’s sex trade, the coalition is sending hundreds of letters from concerned travelers to Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mercedes Aráoz.

The letters are all urging Ms. Aráoz to use her influence to end child sex slavery in her country.

“Child sex tourism is a threat to Peru’s status as a world-class travel destination,” says Jeff Greenwald, Ethical Traveler’s Executive Director. “If the practice is allowed to continue, travelers of conscience may be reluctant to support the government with their travel dollars.”

Peru, known mostly in the travel industry for its spectacular Machu Picchu, is chock full of fascinating cultural heritage and Incan history. However, these elements are being increasingly overshadowed by a more sinister attraction. Young women and girls, as well as boys, are being exploited by a commercial sex industry fueled by increasing numbers of tourists who visit Peru to engage in sex with children.

Sex tourism is a flourishing industry in Peru, where tourists have easy access to vulnerable children. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child estimated that there are up to 500,000 child victims of sexual exploitation and violence in Peru. But the Peruvian government’s efforts to eradicate the sex slave trade have been stalled by corruption, insufficient law enforcement, and apathy.

Peru is a participant in international organizations such as the Organization of American States and the United Nations.

“Tourism is a major economic force in Peru, and inbound tourism is increasing by 10% every year,” says Greenwald. “This means that more children will fall victim to sex slavery, unless we take action now. By joining our voices, travelers can convince Peru to protect these children.”

Child sex tourism, or trafficking, is a criminal multi-billion-dollar industry that effects and victimizes around 2 million across the globe. More and more, governments are establishing heavy-handed laws to prosecute citizens for child abuse that occurs outside their home country, even if it is not against the law in the country where the child abuse took place.

Ethical Traveler’s campaign against child sex trafficking in Peru is being waged in partnership with Global Exchange, Not for Sale–Peru, Generación and Peruvian Net Against Child Pornography.

For more on this campaign, or to sign and send a letter to the Peruvian Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, please visit www.ethicaltraveler.org.