The Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business in tourism is a transparent, rights-based framework that promotes and recognises mother and child-friendly practices across the tourism supply chain.

Developed by The Centre for Child Rights and Business Sri Lanka in collaboration with key tourism stakeholders, the Seal Initiative is activity-based and tailored to the unique needs of the sector.

• As tourism in Sri Lanka booms, the need for key businesses in the tourism sector to understand and address child rights risks is increasing

• There is a lack of accountability and reporting on human rights/HRDD in the tourism supply chain

• The accommodation supply chain has major gaps in child safeguarding

• Child sexual abuse, exploitation and labour have been identified as key risks among informal accommodation providers

The Seal Initiative is initially for accommodation establishments (hotels, guesthouses, homestays) and tour operators, focusing on five components: management capacity, staff capacity, community engagement, supply chain practices, performance and impact.

To obtain the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business, the business entity follows an 8-step Seal issuance process.

• Participating in the Seal initiative helps businesses enhance their reputation as socially responsible, attracting conscious consumers and partners

• The Seal provides a framework to identify and address risks, such as child exploitation and unsafe working conditions, ensuring a safer environment

• Businesses can collaborate with other stakeholders, sharing knowledge and resources to drive collective impact in the tourism sector

• Aligns with broader goals of sustainable development, contributing to the economic, social, and environmental health of communities

• Encourages businesses to adopt responsible and ethical practices that prioritise the well-being of communities, especially mothers and children

• Promotes ongoing evaluation and improvement of practices, encouraging businesses to adapt and grow to evolving challenges and opportunities

Please email us to learn more.