Our Mission

The mission of ECPAT-USA is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation. We aim to do this through education, advocacy and the passage and enforcement of strong laws. ECPAT-USA is a children’s rights organization.

ECPAT-USA is part of the ECPAT global network of organizations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

We seek to end the sexual exploitation of children trafficked to the USA, American children trafficked within the USA, and children exploited by Americans abroad.
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ECPAT-USA Staff
Carol Smolenski, Executive Director
Max Mayer, Administrator
Amaya Renobales, Protect Children in Tourism Project Director
Gilberto Esponda, Protect Children in Tourism Project Assistant

ECPAT-USA Advisors
Brian Willis, Health Advisor

Board of Directors
Ana Morse, President
Dorinda Cataldo
Howard Davidson
Brenda Hepler
Joan Levy
Pat Murray
Perry Wooten
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The History of ECPAT-USA

ECPAT was initially organized as the campaign to End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism by a group of NGO workers and other concerned individuals in Asia. By 1996, the rapid international growth of commercial sexual exploitation of children demanded a response. ECPAT widened its scope of work to encompass all issues of child sexual exploitation, including pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes, and to broaden its focus to become a global campaign.

As part of the initial campaign, ECPAT approached U.S.-based children’s rights activists and organizations to establish a support committee. ECPAT-USA was established in 1991 by a group of children’s rights agencies, churches and other concerned NGOs as the the “U.S. Committee to Support the Campaign to End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism.” In 1994, ECPAT-USA was incorporated and gained non-profit 501(c)3 status. In 1996 we changed our name to End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes-USA.

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ECPAT International

ECPAT is a network of organisations and individuals working together to eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation. Click here for the list
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