to download the document in PDF format - Child Centre: Expert ...

Nordic. Most of the reports indicated that the implementation of the Code has beensuccessful, especially with Accor who has trained 70.7 per cent of its staff. 275 Both Accor 276and TUI Thomson (UK) 277 in the Dominican Republic indicated an incident in which astaff representative had to turn away a customer because he was accompanied with a child.The staff members knew about the Code policy through training. MyTravel NorthernEurope, in its report, did not find the Code policy to be very effective or efficient as theirtour operating staff changes every six months and therefore there is a lack of continuity inthe work. 278Since 2004, the Code registered as an independent organisation in Sweden. In 2006 anorganisational logo had been launched and an organisational strategy was adopted in2007. The Code strategy includes provisions for establishment of regional offices, anda headquarters (likely in Switzerland). Furthermore, a standardised implementationprocedure had been adopted to be used for all new signatories since 2007, including therequirements of filling in Application Forms and Action Plans before being accepted forsignature of the Code and becoming Code members. At the moment of writing, many ofthese developments are in progress, depending on the ability to secure additional funding.Critics of the Code have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the Code since theguidelines are established “from outside” rather than “domestically”, 279 as well as about itsmonitoring and control of implementation. However, according to case law, a state whichdelegates functions to non-state actors, still has an obligation under human rights treatiesto ensure the rights of all and to punish violators. 280 Concerns have also been raised as tothe challenges implementing the Code in North America to do the litigious nature of thesociety and worries of sending a wrong message to the industry’s clients.Country specific codes have brought many successes in helping to undermine CSEC.This format might not, however, prove to be effective in all regions. Child Wise Australia,for example, has noted that such national codes of conduct would have a limited effectbecause child-sex tourism involving Australians tends to occur outside the work of themainstream tourism industry such as taxi drivers, shop and restaurant owners, karaokestaff and photo shop staff. However, a number of innovative efforts have been taken in thePacific region, including the inclusion of a prohibitive clause in the Australian Federationof Travel Agents’ code of ethics. 281 Furthermore, the issue is covered by the nationaltourism curriculum, “Travel with Care”, 282 so that students are made aware of the issue. 283Child Wise Australia has also developed a training module and training materials fortravel and tourism students, educators and tour leaders. In so doing, they worked closelywith the Australian tour operator Intrepid. Recently, a new program, “Choose with Care”,was launched whereby training and workshops, handbooks and video kits and consultancyPrivate Sector Accountability in Combating the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children|71