Using vulnerable children as tourist attractions has long been a controversial practice in Southeast Asia. This week, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) took a decisive stand by issuing new, comprehensive guidelines that strictly regulate the interaction between tourists and residential care institutions.
The End of 'Open Door' Policies
For decades, many orphanages operated with an 'open door' policy, allowing tourists to walk in off the street to play with or teach children. While often well-intentioned, experts argue this practice violates a child's right to privacy and creates a revolving door of short-term attachments that can lead to attachment disorders.
'Imagine if strangers could walk into your child's school or bedroom at any time to take photos. It would be unacceptable anywhere else, and it must stop being acceptable here.' — Sophea Chan, Child Protection Specialist
The new directive requires all visitors to have prior authorization and a clear, vetted purpose that benefits the children's educational or developmental needs, rather than serving the donor's desire for an emotional experience.
Impact on the Sector
This policy is expected to impact hundreds of unregulated institutions that rely on the 'pity economy' for funding. Legitimate organizations, such as those on our Verified List, have already been implementing these standards for years.
- Mandatory Visitor Screening: All visitors must now undergo background checks.
- Ban on Unsupervised Interaction: No tourist is to be left alone with a child.
- Privacy Protections: Strict rules against photographing children for social media fundraising.
We urge all donors to support this transition by directing funds to organizations that prioritize family reintegration over institutionalization.