Thailand: Researcher – Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tourism in Phuket

Terms of Reference

Researcher to conduct assessment on risks for sexual exploitation of children in tourism in Phuket, Thailand

Background

ECPAT International is a global network of civil society organisations dedicated to ending child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation. ECPAT works to build collaboration among local organisations and the broader child rights community to form a global social movement for the protection of children from sexual exploitation. Today, ECPAT has 90 member organisations in 82 countries.

ECPAT International is partnering with TUI, Defence for Children-ECPAT Netherlands, The Code, ECPAT Mexico, ECPAT Thailand, in a Multi Stakeholder Initiative focusing on zero tolerance for sexual exploitation of children in tourism destinations in Mexico (Cancún) and Thailand (Phuket).

Overall Project Background

THE PROBLEM
The worldwide growth of tourism has multiplied the opportunities for the sexual exploitation of children, also in Mexico and Thailand. There is a consensus about the link between the development of tourism and the sexual exploitation of children and the tourism sector has acknowledged their corporate social responsibility on preventing this human rights violation.

SOLUTION
Multi-stakeholder partnerships and aligned approaches are essential to expand the impact of prevention and protection interventions. This projects aims to improve the protection of children in Mexico and Thailand by engaging the private tourism sector, NGOs and local communities and governments and by the empowerment of children to become agents of change in implementing human rights principles, with a focus on the protection of children against sexual exploitation in the tourism sector.

OUTCOMES – AFTER THE 2 YRS PROGRAMME

1. Due diligence processes on the protection of children against sexual exploitation within tourism value chains of tourism businesses, including TUI's value chain, in Cancún, Mexico and Phuket, Thailand have been set up using the Code of Conduct on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (The Code) as a tool.

2. NGOs are strengthened and effective collaborations (taskforces) between child protection (NGO and government) and tourism sectors have been set up in Cancún in Mexico and Phuket in Thailand to facilitate the implementation of 5-year action plans on the protection of children against sexual exploitation in tourism.

3. Peer-to-peer learning and awareness raising via youth mobilizers to strengthen children in the communities and other selected regions to defend themselves and become agents of change with the aim to prevent, report and combat sexual exploitation.

Background to Research Component

In order to effectively and efficiently protect children from sexual exploitation, there must be an evidence-based understanding of the scale and manifestations of the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (SECTT) in Phuket. Design of the prevention and protection strategies for SECTT requires current and factual understanding of the local context and trends in the area.

As such, the initial phase of the project is an assessment on the current situation of sexual exploitation of children linked to travel and tourism in Phuket identifying attitudes, risks and stakeholders, including children (mainly girls, but also boys) at risk and victims, as well as opportunities for prevention.

The assessment is expected to be completed within 4 months of commencement (the overall project is expected to be undertaken for 2 years, commencing 15 November 2107.

Purpose/Objective

The overall purpose of the Researcher is to lead the coordination and production of a quality assessment on the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism in Phuket by providing an in-depth analysis of the magnitude, nature, context and trends of sexual exploitation of children. Findings of the research will provide the government, relevant NGOs/agencies and other key stakeholders with reliable, evidence-based, contemporary data to assist in implementing the Multi Stakeholder Initiative.

Expected Outcomes

1. Analysis of the situation of Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism (SECTT) in Phuket;

a. An evidence-based report with specific findings based on a desk review, direct consultations and field research, including recommendations for relevant stakeholders to improve programme development;

b. A Summary Report produced in Thai and English;

Hard copies and e-versions of the report sent to all key stakeholders and widely disseminated;

c. A round table consultation in Phuket to present the research report to key stakeholders;

2. Analysis of organisations

a. An updated mapping of child rights organisations working to eliminate SECTT in Phuket;

1. Recommendations on gaps in addressing SECTT by organisations in the area, what actions should be taken; how coordination and cooperation on the issue currently functions and how it can be improved.

Methodology

o The Researcher will conduct a literature review on the Phuket and Thailand situation, drawing information from previous studies, news reports and relevant legislation, as well as a review of the historical and socio-economic background relating to child protection and SECTT;

o The Researcher will develop a research plan, a research protocol (template provided by ECPAT International), a research time frame, and tools for information collection;

o The Researcher will organise a round table consultation to present the research report to key stakeholders and obtain feedback.

o Finally, the Researcher will compile a final report, incorporating comments and inputs from key stakeholders.

Key Research Questions to be addressed through the desk review, on-site consultations and field research include:

· What are the current situation and emerging trends in the scale and scope of SECTT in Thailand generally, and in Phuket particularly?

· What are the causes and risk factors surrounding the vulnerability of children to SECTT, including the gender dimensions? How does this relate to other related manifestations such as trafficking of children?

· Who is exploiting vulnerable children in Phuket and how?

· What policies, legislation, interventions and relevant child protection services exist in Thailand, and specifically Phuket, to address SECTT and how effective are they?

· What key players are involved in combating SECTT and what actions have been taken to date, both at national level and in Phuket?

· How can relevant stakeholders better address SECTT so that all children, with a focus on the most vulnerable, in Phuket are protected?

Target Group Selection & Tool Development

Formats and guidelines for information collection sessions will be designed by the Researcher in consultation with ECPAT International and adapted to the local context. Such tools must reflect the ethical considerations related to SECTT research, as well as guidelines for information collection and appropriate target groups.

All tools must be developed in consultation with ECPAT International Head of Research and Policy for review prior to their utilisation, so that all ethical concerns, as well as efficacy issues, are taken into account.

Information will be collected from and about as many of the following target groups as possible:

o key stakeholders;

o children and youth (girls, boys; which age; local or migrated from the region or from across borders; what education, family situation etc.); if the researcher aims to interview children then this must be clearly detailed in the Research Protocol with a robust child protection framework in place. Permission to interview children must be sought from ECPAT International before the start of the field research.

o exploiters (local, regional foreigners; tourists and travellers, men and women etc);

o legislation and law enforcement (victim criminalization);

o travel, tourism and entertainment sector (big companies, SME, local associations of hotels, restaurants, bars, taxis and other transport etc);

o Civil Society Organizations (women's organisations, children's organisations, indigenous peoples organisations, development organisations).

Guiding Principles

The approach used in this situational analysis study on the commercial sexual exploitation of children shall be guided by ECPAT International’s Guidelines for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Research with Children and Young People which seeks to:

• Protect the rights of children and young people physically, mentally, ethically and emotionally and to ensure that the research process does no harm to them knowingly or unknowingly; and
• Reassure children/young people, parents and others concerned with the children and young people’s well-being and safety that research conducted under these Guidelines is designed to protect the interests of children and young people.

The analysis must adopt a holistic, child-centred approach, be transparent and involve civil society. In particular, it must take into account ethical issues that deal with involving children in research. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Identity of child respondents should not be exposed;
• The child should be allowed access to information on the objectives and themes of the analysis and possible use of the report document;
• Respondents should voluntarily participate in the research, based on understanding the goals, methods, benefits and risks of the study;
• There will be no physical and/or psycho-social damage to the child respondents because of the research;
• Supportive and non-disempowering behaviour must be adopted, but avoiding any biasness, grief and pity;
• Data collection for this analysis of commercial sexual exploitation of children will ensure the involvement of children. ECPAT is aware of consequences of involving children for research conduct and techniques used. This case study analysis will therefore encourage the creation of favourable environments in which the direct participation of children takes place.

Qualification/**Requirements**

Essential

· Advanced degree in human rights, law, international relations, social sciences or equivalent.

· At least five to ten years of professional experience in child rights; specific proven experience in research of at least three years.

· Proven excellent research and analytical skills; experience in drafting and commissioning research papers.

· Proven knowledge of children’s rights and international legal frameworks.

· Experience in working with human rights and social development issues specifically as they relate to the rights of children.

· Excellent English and Thai language capability with demonstrated publications in English.

Desirable

· Previous research experience in Thailand.

· Specific knowledge of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

Requirements for entities/organisations(if applicable)

· Project lead must comply with the eligibility requirements for individuals.

· Entity must be legally registered in the country where it is located.

· Must provide a description of the team.

Remuneration

The Researcher will be paid a total lump sum amount over the research period based on key deliverables agreed upon in the contract.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter with your CV to the following email by November 1st**.** Qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews prior to the deadline for immediate start on the project.

vacancy@ecpat.org