First Car Rental signs Code to help end child exploitation

Online, June 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Taking a stance against the sex tourism industry and leading the way in combating the exploitation of thousands of children, First Car Rental has signed the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.

The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism, known as The Code, was introduced by ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) in 1998. Endorsed by the UN World Tourism Organisation, The Code is implemented globally by the hotel and travel industry as a corporate social responsibility initiative with the aim of increasing the protection of children from sex tourism.

The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest economic sectors in the world. This sector has a positive impact on the economic development of South Africa but also poses a threat to local communities. First Car Rental acknowledges that in conducting their business, they have a responsibility to the communities in which they operate.

By signing The Code, First Car Rental has committed itself making South Africa a safe tourist destination for children by employing the following measures:

1. To establish an ethical policy against commercial sexual exploitation of children.
2. To train and educate employees.
3. To introduce clauses in contracts with suppliers/service providers stating a common rejection of sexual exploitation of children.
4. To inform travellers by using rental agreements pouches, brochures, newsletters, ticket-slips and websites.
5. To provide information to local "key persons" at destinations regarding the Code of Conduct and the Company's Policy.
6. To report annually on the implementation of The Code.

As part of a national awareness campaign, First Car Rental will hand out a red card with every rental agreement from 11 June 2010 - at branches influenced by 2010 Soccer World Cup traffic. Following the theme of "Give the Red Card to Child Exploitation", these red cards aim to raise awareness among the general public with regard to the commercial exploitation of children.

Melissa Storey, Executive Head: Strategy, Development & Marketing at First Car Rental comments:, "Supporting The Code is an important addition to our corporate social responsibility stable, and it should be for most companies.

Protecting our children has got to be the number one cause in South Africa, especially during the World Cup and beyond. If we can just increase our knowledge and heighten awareness, then applying preventative measures becomes easier."

All businesses in the travel industry are encouraged to become signatories to the worldwide campaign and commit themselves to the struggle against child exploitation in South Africa.
For more information go to: The Code