The First Car Rental company has signed the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism, joining the battle to protect thousands of minors.

Known commonly as ‘The Code,’ the pledge was established in 1998 by End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT). The UN World Tourism Organisation has endorsed The Code which has been implemented globally across the hotel and travel industry.

As one of the world’s largest business sectors, the emphasis on corporate responsibility to increase child protection from sex tourism has given huge advantages to The Code, while the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa is set to showcase both sides of the issue.

First Car Rental, in signing The Code, has committed itself to ensuring that South Africa will be a child-friendly tourist destination. It will do so by adopting measures that seeks to train and educate employees in establishing an ethical policy to deal with the problem, while also promoting The Code to customers through online forums, brochures, newsletters and rental contract wallets.

First Car Rental will also introduce new contract clauses with suppliers which reflect the rejection of any child exploitation, while providing ECPAT with an annual report on its commitment. All travel industry businesses are encouraged to join the global campaign through committing themselves to the fight against child exploitation.