Dominican Republic: Hotels Pledge to Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Minors

On May 30, 2013 Barrigaverde.net reported that hotels in the Dominican Republic, through an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism and UNICEF, have pledged to take measures to prevent the sexual exploitation of minors. The Ministry of Tourism currently disseminates information to foreign and domestic tourists declaring that such practices are prosecutable by law. In adherence to the agreement, the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants pledge to train employees in preventing and reporting child sexual abuse, and to adhere to the code of conduct for the tourism industry which UNICEF promotes internationally.

Although there are no official statistics, various investigations by NGOs have shown that foreign tourists visit the Dominican beaches for sex with minors, both men and women. In some resorts, such as Boca Chica, Sosúa and Cabarete, it is common to see teenagers involved in prostitution. Read Article