Events Industry Council partners with The Code to support efforts to end child trafficking

The Events Industry Council (EIC) – the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards – has announced it has joined The Code, a multi-stakeholder initiative to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. 

The Code is the world’s first and only voluntary set of business principles companies can implement to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. It is supported by ECPAT, a worldwide network of organisations. 

The Code will support EIC by collaborating and engaging with stakeholders, establishing policies and procedures; training employees; including a clause in contracts; and providing information to travellers on how to prevent and report suspected cases. 

Events took place on 30 July to mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2021. 

Amy Calvert (Chief Executive Officer, EIC) said: “EIC supports all efforts against human trafficking, and we are very proud to have joined The Code to support its global mission. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), over 40 million people are living in slavery worldwide; by working with The Code and ECPAT we can play our part in finally ending global human trafficking and exploitation. Given the scope and scale of our industry we have the ability to be a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change and progress.”  

Thomas Mueller (Deputy Executive Director, ECPAT International) said: “ECPAT International welcomes the newest member of The Code, Events Industry Council. They join over 350 member companies worldwide in a shared, proactive commitment from the travel and tourism industry to protecting children from sexual exploitation. It is vital that the private sector works together with the ECPAT network, law enforcement, and local communities on this difficult but important issue. 

Yvonne Chen (Director of Private Sector Engagement, ECPAT-USA) added: “Partnerships with the private sector are crucial to achieving the goal of the ECPAT network and ECPAT-USA to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children, and ECPAT-USA is pleased to welcome the Events Industry Council as a new member of The Code. We look forward to working with them to raise awareness of these issues and protect children around the world.” 

More information on the Events Industry Council here 

More information on The Code here