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Code of Conduct

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort Costa Rica, completely forbids any form of sexual exploitation of children and / or teenagers. 

Therefore, we have certified the resort with the code of conduct defined by the Patronato Nacional de la Infancia

(National Children’s Trust) and the ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Board).  Learn more about this policy…   

What is meant by Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents? (CSEC)

It is the use of children and adolescents, with or without their consent, for sexual gratification of adults in return for remuneration in cash or by trade to the minor or third parties.

Impact of the CSEC on the lives of minors

Emotional: anxiety disorders; depression (which can reach suicide); severe behavioral disorders; substance abuse (drug and / or alcohol), insecurity, mistrust, aggression, shame, fear, guilt and low self-esteem.

Social: stigmatization, discrimination, family rejection, social isolation; victimization; problematic and conflicting relationships, dropouts.

Physical: unwanted early pregnancies; sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS); genital infections and lesions and / or anal early aging, physical violence.

Sexual: inhibition of sexual desire and behavior; exacerbation of sexuality; promiscuous and compulsive behavior; sexual dysfunctions.

¿Who are responsible for CSEC?

  • Exploiter or exploiter customers

  • Pimps (recruit and connect)

  • Intermediaries

Legal framework

Law 7899/8590 against CSEC.

Both laws are amendments to the Criminal Code regarding “sexual offenses” (1999-2007), and safeguard the personal integrity, dignity, nonviolence, freedom and legal rights of children and adolescents. Establish as criminal offenses:

• Sexual activity with a person under 13 is a crime of rape

• Sex with minors (up to 15)

• Paid sex (to 18 years)

•Corruption

•Procuring

• Pimping

• Trafficking

• Manufacturing, production, dissemination or possession of child pornography

• The limitation period runs from when the victim is 18 years old.

WE ARE DEFENDERS

How to identify a possible situation of CSEC?

  • The couple does not talk to each other or show any signs of affection.

  • The minor is kept away from the adult.

  • The minor shows nervousness.

  • The is no interaction.

  • The adult is the one who leads the conversation.

  • They don´t speak the same language or have the same accent.

  • Show signs of nervousness: Voice, face, hands.

  • They are defensive or aggressive.

  • Unwillingness to answer questions.

  • They do not understand the need to show an ID.

  • They look around as if someone was following them.

How to act in case of suspicion of a CSEC situation?

  • Make innocuous questions to determine the relationship between the minor and the adult.

  • Ask for an ID of the minor.

  • Clarify that company policy does not allow the entry of minors not accompanied by their parents or guardians.

  • Notify the security department.

  • Do not allow access to the minor, until his relationship with the adult has been clarified.

  • Explain that these steps are part of the company´s policy against CSEC.

  • Tell that CSEC is a crime punishable by imprisonment.

  • Report the situation to 911 or the Prosecutor to 2295-3554.

  • Remain vigilant.

Internal Complaint Protocol

Zero tolerance policy:

  • Andaz Península Papagayo Resort Costa Rica adopts the code of conduct in its internal policy to which the following rules stipulated towards preventing commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents:

  • The hotel is an advocate of childhood and adolescence, therefore the organization is NOT a partner in the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

  • The hotel do not provide information to guests, directly, or through third parties, about places that coordinates or practice commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

  • The hotel denounce to the competent authorities, any facts, situations, signs or indications of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents happening within the property.

  • The hotel empowers all employees of the company, in order to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

Actions to take in case of commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents:

  • If the guest arrives at the hotel with a person who is not registered in the reservation, the guest must be informed that he/she cannot will not be allow to use any of the facilities until every person is registed in the system.

  • Ask for an ID to the person accompanying the guest that has not been registered.

  • If the person accompanying the guest is a minor and manifest the aforementioned signs, inform the area manager or manager on duty.

  • If the guest gets to use the hotel´s facilities without completing the proper registration process and the person not registed is a minor, inform the department in charge of investigating the situation.

  • With the information provided by the employee, the manager must submit the relevant complaint to the appropriate authorities manifestly or anonymously. In this case the Deputy Prosecutor of Guanacaste. 2690-01-44 fax telephone. 2666-02-94 Email lib-fiscalia@poder-judicial.go.cr Liliana Velasquez Maria Zamora.

Advice

  • Be gentle but firm in your words and body language.

  • Explain the company policy in simple terms.

  • Refer to the policy if there is any disagreement. If necessary, show the guest where is in written format.

  • Remember that you are doing the right thing!

  • Do not be afraid or nervous when you ask questions or a proper ID. It is a normal procedure.

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