SL launches first child rights initiative in tourism amidst evolving global human rights laws
View(s):Sri Lanka launched the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business in Tourism, aiming to enhance the well-being of children and families in the tourism sector. The initiative, the first of its kind in the country, is based on a study by The Centre for Child Rights and Business and Save the Children, which identified child rights risks in the tourism industry, a media release said.
The panel discussed the critical issues that women and children face in the travel and tourism industries and some of the priorities and opportunities that the industry could address.
Pictured from left: Buddhini Withana, Senior Technical Advisor Child Protection and Child Rights in Business, Save the Children; Irstel Janssen, Director, Sustainable Sri Lanka; Mayuran, Director, Centre for Children’s Happiness during a panel discussion at the Seal launch event.
“Young children often do not realise they are being exploited. Providing a safe and respectful environment for them should be our primary goal. We must consider the risk factors in these scenarios, as there is currently no data to support issues in tourism, such as trafficking and exploitation. While problems like festival tourism have existed, they have increased since COVID-19 and have been exacerbated by the economic crisis,” Buddhini Withana, Senior Technical Advisor Child Protection and Child Rights in Business, Save the Children was quoted in the release.
Irstel Janssen, Director, Sustainable Sri Lanka was quoted in the release saying that 10 per cent of women are working in this sector due to social stigma, safety concerns, and harassment. “The economic crisis has forced women to step into this industry, but they are not employed in roles that match the nature of the work. The Seal initiative is an important step to address these issues and encourage more women’s participation.”
A Cinnamon Hotels representative delivered a keynote speech emphasising the hotel’s commitment to protecting women and children, highlighting policies supporting female workers, zero-tolerance misconduct, and sexual harassment. They also provide awareness sessions, parental leave, and 100 days of paternity leave, promoting mental health benefits and child safeguarding.
The Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business in Sri Lanka aims to encourage more mothers to stay in the country and care for their children, addressing the high rate of women’s outmigration due to poor working conditions. The initiative encourages continuous improvement through long-term commitments by businesses, focusing on human rights, transparency, and gender equity. By joining the Seal, businesses are fostering stronger engagement among supply chain partners and contributing to a child-friendly, ethical tourism sector.
Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!