The country’s Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, stated that the Dominican tourism industry rejects all forms of child sexual abuse, and all activities that may be harmful to children and adolescents. Minister Garcia also explained that the local tourism industry is committed to attracting top-quality tourists. The Minister spoke during the signing ceremony of an agreement between the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominican of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), and UNICEF. The goal of the agreement is to prevent the sexual abuse of children and adolescents.
In his remarks, presented during the event, Minister Garcia explained that “The position of the Dominican tourism sector, the private sector in particular, is to firmly reject this practice. Our goal is to attract a tourist that is interested in learning more about our country, our culture, and our history.¨
He also pointed out the importance of the agreement, since it will disseminate the Dominican Republic’s stance on this reprehensible practice at the international level, and support all legal actions to prosecute offenders.
Minister Garcia also noted that from a legal point of view the Dominican Republic has the proper legislation to combat this crime and quoted Article 56 of the Dominican Constitution, which clearly defines and condemns all violations against the rights of children. He also indicated that the country has signed the International Convention on Child Protection.
The Ministry of Tourism, explained Minister Garcia, will continue to promote and disseminate these principles and will continue to be vigilant against these harmful practices.
