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Former Cambodian child-sex survivor encourages ASEAN officials to take action against child-sex tourism
By Chamnap Nay on 10 Jul 2007
A former child-sex survivor implored ASEAN officials attending an annual meeting to prevent sexual exploitation of children in the region.
During the Annual ASEAN Regional Taskforce meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam last week, a 20-year-old girl told her story to participants at the Child Wise organised event.
“I was tricked and sold to a brothel when I was only 14. Everyday, I would have to provide services to 10 men against my will. On the weekend it can be as many as 20 customers, most of them are foreigners. I was sick and disgusted,” she said.
“I would like all of you to understand that Child Sex Tourism is a real problem and I would like all of you to do everything you can to prevent other children from facing the same problem I did,” she explained.
In an effort to reduce sexual abuse of children by foreign travellers, senior tourism and law enforcement officials from all 10 ASEAN-member countries shared information. They shared reports and analysis related to travelling child-sex offenses, provided examples of best practices to protect ASEAN children and conducted strategic planning for the future.
With support from the Australian Government and endorsed by the ASEAN Secretariat, the Child Wise Tourism Program established the first ASEAN Regional Taskforce in 2002. Since then, the taskforce has met annually and has established an impressive reputation as an action-oriented group.
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