Child Protection and Anti-Exploitation Policy
Panhou Retreat is committed to ethical and responsible tourism development. We recognize the serious and growing issue of child sexual exploitation in tourism and hospitality,...
I. PURPOSE STATEMENT
Panhou Retreat is committed to ethical and responsible tourism development. We recognize the serious and growing issue of child sexual exploitation in tourism and hospitality, and we take a firm stand against all forms of child abuse and exploitation.
This policy outlines our position, procedures, and responsibilities to protect children from harm. We are committed to implementing best practices in child safeguarding and will work continuously to prevent, identify, and respond to any risks of child exploitation.
II. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This policy applies to:
• All staff and management of Panhou Retreat
• Contractors, suppliers, and business partners
• Guests and visitors using services within the property
III. POLICY STATEMENT
• Panhou Retreat condemns all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
• All staff, contractors, suppliers, and guests must refuse to participate in or condone any such behavior.
• Anyone found to be involved will be reported to authorities and may face contract/employment termination and legal prosecution.
• The property strictly prohibits orphanage tourism or volunteer activities involving direct contact with children without proper background checks and safeguarding procedures.
• Panhou Retreat will ensure continuous staff training, guest awareness, and collaboration with local authorities to prevent exploitation.
• We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of child abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct involving minors.
IV. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING SUSPECTED CASES
4.1 Reporting Suspicious Behavior
Staff have a responsibility to report:
• Any guest showing signs of suspicious behavior related to child exploitation
• Any colleague or third party engaging in inappropriate behavior with children
• Any suspicious requests or interactions involving children
• Any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child
Report suspicious behavior immediately to the Panhou Retreat Team.
4.2 Specific Situations and Actions
| Situation | Action |
| Guest with child not their own | Politely verify relationship and require identification for both adult and child. Contact Panhou Retreat Team if concerns arise. |
| Adult frequently interacting with multiple children | Observe and document behavior. Report to management immediately for assessment. |
| Requests for services involving minors in inappropriate ways | Refuse immediately. Inform Panhou Retreat Team and consider reporting to police. |
| Discovery of child exploitation material | Do NOT touch or handle evidence. Contact police immediately through management. Secure the area if possible. |
V. RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Child Protection Officer (CPO)
• Email: [email protected]
Responsibilities:
• Ensure implementation, training, communication, and updates of this policy
• Serve as primary contact point for staff and partners regarding child protection
• Coordinate with local authorities and child protection organizations
• Maintain confidential records of any incidents or reports
• Review and update policy annually
• Ensure all staff are trained on child protection procedures
VI. TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION
6.1 Staff Training
• All staff must complete mandatory child protection training during onboarding
• Training content includes how to recognize, prevent, and report exploitation and abuse
• Staff will learn about warning signs and appropriate response procedures
• Refresher training will be conducted annually or when policy is updated
• Training records will be maintained for all staff members
6.2 Guest Awareness
• Information will be provided to guests through:
• Signage at reception and in guest rooms
• Guest information directory
• Website and digital communications
• Staff are trained to communicate the property’s child protection commitment to guests
VII. SUPPLIER AND CONTRACTOR ENGAGEMENT
All contracts with suppliers and partners will include the following clause:
“Panhou Retreat is committed to protecting children from exploitation and abuse. All partners and suppliers must comply with our zero-tolerance policy regarding child sexual exploitation and inappropriate conduct involving minors. Violation of this policy may result in immediate contract termination and reporting to relevant authorities.”
VIII.COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Panhou Retreat will:
• Maintain communication with local police and child protection services
• Report any suspected cases of child exploitation to appropriate authorities
• Cooperate fully with any investigations
• Support community-based child protection initiatives where appropriate
• Share best practices with other tourism businesses in the area
IX. REPORTING CHANNELS
Internal Reporting:
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +84-966-615-050
External Reporting:
• Local Police: 113 (Vietnam emergency number)
• Child Protection Hotline: 111 (Vietnam National Child Protection Hotline)
X. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORD KEEPING
• All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality
• Only essential personnel will have access to incident records
• Records of incidents and actions taken will be maintained securely
• Personal information will be protected in accordance with privacy laws
• Whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation
• Information will only be shared with authorities when required by law or necessary for child protection
XI. POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed annually or when:
• There are changes to relevant laws or regulations
• New risks or issues are identified
• Incidents occur that require policy adjustment
• Best practices in child protection evolve
• This policy demonstrates Panhou Retreat’s commitment to protecting children and contributing to responsible tourism. We believe that every child has the right to be safe and protected from harm.
