NEW CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE ORPHANAGE TOURISM

The Australian Government is launching a new campaign to prevent Australians from inadvertently contributing to child exploitation through the practice of orphanage tourism, including by participating in misleading volunteer programs.

 

The Smart Volunteering Campaign discourages Australians from any form of short-term, unskilled volunteering in overseas orphanages and provides guidelines on how to be a child-safe volunteer.

 

Australia has a long and proud history of volunteering. For decades, thousands of Australians from all backgrounds have given their time and skills selflessly to help communities overseas. The work of our volunteers builds skills and supports economic growth in developing countries.

 

However, some Australian volunteers have unwittingly contributed to harmful practices by participating in the “voluntourism” industry and engaging in orphanage tourism.

 

Last year, the Australian Parliament, through the hard work of individuals like Liberal Senator for Western Australia, Linda Reynolds, acknowledged trafficking and slavery in orphanage tourism as an important issue.

 

The Smart Volunteering Campaign encourages Australians planning to volunteer overseas to:

Be an informed volunteer: Avoid short-term, unskilled volunteering in orphanages.

Be a child-safe volunteer: Avoid any activity where children are promoted as tourist attractions.

Be a prepared volunteer: Do your homework to ensure you are making a positive impact in the local community.

 

Anyone considering volunteering overseas should visit www.dfat.gov.au/australianvolunteers or email smartvolunteering@australianvolunteers.com