The Tourism we do not talk about. A study on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tourism, with a focus on Argentina and Brazil

Countries facing substantial socioeconomic problems where tourism acts as an engine for development often become vulnerable to the phenomenon known as "sex tourism". South America is a region that shows a high incidence of commercial activities of this kind, which also hides many forms of exploitation, sex trade of children being one of the most serious. What leaves room for its occurrence often are the gaps present in the legislations, along with the obsolete applicability of such laws, or even our indifference as actors capable of provoking social change.
This book contains a study that seeks to identify the origins of the occurrence and the legal apparatus available to deal with the incidence of commercial sexual exploitation of children in the region, focusing on Brazil - as a pioneer - and Argentina - a recent country dealing with such an issue. Through an analysis of the evolution of the legal framework in both countries and the international mechanisms the book is also an invitation to the reader to reflect on this unmentioned side of tourism.

Autorentext

Alana Hartmann Matschulat is a Brazilian political scientist who advocates for the defense of human rights in the international arena. Besides a Bachelor of Public Administration at the State University of Santa Catarina and a Bachelor of Tourism at the University of Southern Santa Catarina, the author also holds a Masters Degree in International Relations from the University of Bologna. In 2016, she conducted a research on child sexual exploitation in South America, which gave rise to this book.

Leseprobe
Text Sample:
Chapter 3. OVERVIEW OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN IN TOURISM IN SOUTH AMERICA:
Despite the fact that prostitution is considered by many as the oldest profession in the world, sexual tourism as a phenomenon only began to be identified after the industrial revolution in the nineteenth century, with the opening of cabarets and nightclubs. Years later, the phenomenon has expanded by acquiring other dimensions, being spread mainly in Asia. First it was identified in Sri Lanka, and years later in Indonesia and Thailand, where it gained visibility turning the country into the leading one in this activity. For many years Thailand used sex tourism as a source of revenue for the country. From 1905 to 1960, prostitution was considered legal, attracting thousands of tourists a year. However, in 1960, the country started to adopt anti-prostitution laws with the Suppression of Prostitution Act. With the introduction of the Entertainment Places Act in 1966 the operation of bars, massage parlors, and other related activities, were regulated. The Act imposed heavier penalties against anyone trying to take illegal advantages from prostitution, and it was particularly important on the prevention of SECT and trafficking, penalizing customers who engage in sexual intercourse with minors.
As a consequence from the restrictions imposed in Asia, sex tourists started to look for new destinations. In the meanwhile, most Latin American countries were beginning to consider using tourism as a strategy of promoting income, and in order to do so, it was necessary to establish a cultural identity that could project them externally. The approach adopted in the propaganda was marked with advertisements making reference to the natural beauty, beaches and the charm of Hispanic woman. Thus, combined both factors the region consequently became a part of the route for the activity in the 70's. Central and South America have recently become prime locations for pedophiles or opportunists seeking underage exploits (Leite, 2007 apud Assunção & Babinski, 2010, p.5).
Also the cultural factor should be mentioned: The history of South America is marked by the cultural imperialism imposed by the settlers from the so-called "first world" in a background of labor, material and sexual exploitation. Such cultural superiority claim even today pursues continents, giving the false idea that one can dominate the other. In conjunction with the lack of control in general, high corruption levels, and the social and economic gap between "tourists" and touristic destinations, it is wrongly shaped the idea that these countries are "no man's land" favoring a context of exploitation. In this context, children turn into an easy target to become merchandise (Santos,1990 apud Gomes, 1996 p.63).Unicefclaims that most part of the offenders come from Europe, United States and Canada. According to a survey conducted by the Ecpat, among the Europeans, Italians are the largest consumers of sex tourism, followed by German and French. It is estimated that about 80,000 Italians travel abroad each year chasing sex (Ecpat 2013, p.5).
A study conducted by Ecpat and Unicef identified the countries where child sex exploitation in tourism is more evident. In 2014 it was published by the Spanish newspaper El País a map evidencing such countries, among which four South American countries stand out worldwide, in different ways and varying degrees, for the number of child victims of sexual exploitation in tourism: Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Argentina.
Another research, conducted by Ecpatlisted on a map the countries where SECT is a recurring problem and countries with recent evidence of the incidence of the phenomenon. According to this research it can be stated that some destinations, as Brazil, have experienced the phenomenon for over 20 years, while others, such as Argentina, have only recently begun to experience it (Ecpat, 2008, p.7).
In order to deepen the research on the menti