Uber Signs Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct
Uber Signs Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct, Joining ECPAT-USA in Protecting Children from Exploitation and Trafficking
New York, NY (April 20, 2016) – ECPAT-USA is proud to announce a partnership with Uber Technologies Inc. to take a stand against the commercial sexual exploitation of children by signing the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) for initial implementation in the United States.
The Code is an internationally accepted industry-driven corporate social responsibility framework that helps companies in the travel and tourism industry. The Code’s six guidelines require companies to put in place policies and programs to protect children from sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Prior to joining The Code, Uber expanded their Code of Conduct to prohibit all forms of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children. Uber will continue to build their commitment to protect children and offer resources to drivers and report annually on their Code implementation.
“As soon as Uber’s Safety team learned about the role they could play in protecting children, they knew they had to get involved.” said Carol Smolenski, executive director of ECPAT-USA. “Uber demonstrated a genuine commitment to protecting children and preventing their exploitation.”
“Uber is committed to safety in the communities we serve and we want to do our part to help put an end to the transportation of trafficked children,” said Niki Christoff Head of Federal Affairs for Uber. “By partnering with ECPAT-USA, we are taking steps to promote awareness and educate drivers who sign up on our platform about this important issue.”
Uber and ECPAT-USA will be joined in Washington D.C. by anti-trafficking advocates Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), who will provide remarks and witness the signing of The Code commitment.
For additional information about the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct and how your company can be involved, visit www.ecpatusa.org/code.
About ECPAT-USA
ECPAT-USA is the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. ECPAT-USA is a member of the ECPAT International network, with offices in 73 countries. For more information, visit www.ecpatusa.org/code or contact Michelle Guelbart at (718) 935-9192 or michelle@ecpatusa.org.