Rio 2016: Italian Embassy stands against child exploitation

(AGI) Brasilia, Aug 2 - The Italian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil is standing alongside the ECPAT Italia Onlus organisation in its campaign against child exploitation during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Studies and statistics have shown that large global events lead to an increase of sexual and commercial exploitation of minors. With only a few days left until the Olympic Games are inaugurated in Rio, the Italian Embassy is taking a firm stance on the importance of appropriate behaviour by those who travel to Brazil for the Olympics. "A reminder to this effect has already been given with the publishing of the post last Friday on the 'Focus' notice board for Rio 2016," stated the Italian Ambassador to Brazil, Antonio Bernardini. "Not only does it inform travelers on the severity of Brazil's legislation, but it also responds to the moral obligation towards the victims of this deplorable practice." ECPAT Italia Onlus also reminded Italian tourists that Italy's law no. 269/98 punishes child sexual abuse even if it is committed by Italians abroad. Sexual acts and abuse towards minors can be reported in Brazil by dialing "100". ECPAT Italia has launched the #100forChildren campaign on social media to inform Italians who are visiting Rio for the Olympics. (AGI). .