GC34 Child Prostitution (1992C366)

The 34th General Council agrees to

1. affirm the Divisions of Mission in Canada and World Outreach for their involvement with the End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism (ECPAT) coalition, and through ECPAT to communicate with Canadian tourism organizations to discourage the development of sex trade tourism originating in Canada; and

2. encourage these divisions to provide information to United Church members on the issue of child prostitution – its social and economic impact on such countries as the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan; Canada’s connection with this issue, and the work of and actions being urged by the End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism coalition; and

3. continue to develop solidarity links with women’s groups in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand and Japan, which provide resources, support, and economic alternatives to women and children who are involved in sex trade tourism; and

4. request the Moderator to write to the Prime Minister of Canada, acknowledging The United Church of Canada’s awareness o the increase in international sexual exploitation of children and women for economic gain; affirming the Prime Minister’s signature on the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child; and appealing to him to urge all provinces and territories to implement and uphold the Convention in our own country. 

GC34 1992 ROP, p.161