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#traveldonttraffic

WILDLIFE AND FAUNA

DID YOU KNOW?

The killing of wild animals is having a devastating impact, with some species now facing the real possibility of extinction. Elephants, rhinos and tigers are three of the biggest endangered species senselessly killed for their tusks, horns and skin – deaths which often fuel organized crime.*

rino_corto

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Think twice before buying or consuming something made out of an exotic tree, plant or wild animal as you may be contributing to their extinction or exploitation. Before travelling, familiarize yourself with local exotic dishes which may contain illegal products. Don’t forget that many countries, perhaps including your own, have penalties for those caught trafficking protected wild animals, exotic plants and endangered wood products.

* Transnational Organized Crime: Environmental crime – trafficking in wildlife and timber, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

DID YOU KNOW?

Globally, 55-60% of detected victims of human trafficking are women, while 27% are children, with two-thirds among these girls.*

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If you believe that someone is being forced to work against their own free will, is being abused or if you see something that doesn’t look right in a bar, a hotel or a restaurant, report it. Your actions can make a difference in preventing sexual exploitation and forced labour. Children are particularly vulnerable; make sure you Don’t let child abuse travel.

* Global report on trafficking in persons, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC.

CULTURAL ARTEFACTS

DID YOU KNOW?

The number of cultural goods of licit and illicit provenance sold in the world was approximately US$ 40 billion in 1993. This number has increased today, according to estimates, to approximately US$ 60 billion, a 50% increase in ten years*. Illicit trafficking alone is valued at US$ 7 billion each year, and often involves organized crime groups and criminal networks**.

stolen

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Make sure that the souvenirs you take home have a documented and legal history, aren’t stolen and can be exported. Ask about the origin of what you are buying and always keep in mind your own country’s rich history and heritage and how you would feel if this was taken away from you.

* The 1970 UNESCO Convention: new challenges, edited by Jorge A. Sanchez Cordero, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, 2013.
**Francesco Bandarin, Assistant Director-General for Culture, UNESCO.

COUNTERFEIT GOODS

DID YOU KNOW?

Counterfeit goods generate US$ 250 billion a year for criminals and many products are neither safe nor ethically produced.*

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WHAT CAN YOU DO?

You might think that you are helping a small market or a street seller when buying what seems to be a great bargain, yet behind this, there are often criminal interests even coercing or exploiting sellers. Avoid putting your money in the hands of organized crime and purchase ethically while abroad.

* Counterfeit: Don’t buy into organized crime, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC.

ILLICIT DRUGS

DID YOU KNOW?

Sometimes gangs use travellers as ‘plants’ in order to tip off the authorities and provide a diversion to get through far larger shipments.

illegal drugs

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Drug trafficking is simply not worth the risk: it is illegal and if you’re caught, you will end up in jail with severe consequences. Don’t carry packages or items for anyone else as ignorance is no defence against the law.

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have joined forces to invite tourists to become responsible travellers and help fight trafficking.

The campaign – Your actions count: Be a responsible traveller – aims to raise awareness among tourists around the world on how they can help fight trafficking by encouraging a better understanding of the major criminal implications hidden behind some decisions taken while travelling.

With more than 1 billion tourists travelling the globe each year the tourism sector needs to acknowledge its great potential in making a change.

Help fight trafficking. Join the campaign now.

UNWTO
unodc
unesco

PARTNERS

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