With the inauguration of Rio 2016 only a few days away, the Italian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil, stands shoulder to shoulder with the ECPAT Italia Onlus organization in its campaign against the sexual exploitation of children during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Studies and statistics have shown that large global events lead to an increase in the sexual and commercial exploitation of minors. Hence the stance taken by the diplomatic representation of Italy hoping that this will draw attention to the importance of appropriate behaviour by people travelling to Brazil for the Olympics.
“A reminder to this effect was given last Friday on line in Focus on Rio 2016 ,” stated the Italian Ambassador to Brazil, Antonio Bernardini. “not only to inform travellers on the severity of Brazil’s legislation, but also to reinforce the moral obligation towards the victims of this deplorable practice.” ECPAT Italia Onlus also reminded the Italian tourists who will be visiting Rio for the Olympic Games that Italy’s Act no. 269/98 et seq. punishes its citizens for child sexual abuse even when the offence is committed abroad. Sexual acts involving children and sexual abuse of minors can be reported in Brazil by dialing “100”. ECPAT Italia has launched the #100forChildren campaign to provide information to Italians who are visiting Rio for the Olympics.