Child Trafficking - Child Exploitation at its Worst

What is child trafficking? Exploitation of children has become a global problem and child trafficking is a key criminal offense contributing to this global problem. Read more about the harsh reality of this crime today.

Child trafficking is one form of human trafficking. It is considered by the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC) as the worst form child labor.

Child trafficking is considered a crime in many national legislations as well as under international law.

Child trafficking usually entails separation of the child from his/her family either by force, coercion or trickery although there are cases when drug is administered to accomplish the task. Some child traffickers also use gentler persuasion to separate the child from the family usually by giving the wrong information to the child’s family regarding what awaits the child in the destination.

Relocation of a child from one place to another whether within the same country or across the border is another major characteristic of child trafficking.

Children who become victims of child trafficking are usually used for forced labor camps, child soldiers, child prostitution, child pornography, and even organ removal.

In the United States, federal law treats child trafficking for sex as a crime, describing any person below 18 years of age as a child.

Sex trafficking of children is defined as coercing, forcing or tricking a child to engage in any sexual act. Transporting minors for sex purposes is also deemed criminal as well as traveling to other countries to engage in sex activity involving minors.

Child Trafficking as a Global Problem

It is estimated that at least 1.2 million children become victims of child trafficking every year. The problem with child trafficking has reached global scales where almost all countries and world regions are experiencing the epidemic to a certain degree.

Usually, poor families are made to believe that their children are better off in other countries without knowing that the children will be used for forced labor and prostitution.

Child trafficking violates the most basic rights of children including the right to grow up with their families. Child trafficking also endangers the life, health and morality of any child by exposure to violence and sexual abuse among other forms of danger. Moreover, victims of child trafficking are also arrested and detained as illegal immigrants or aliens in the country they are transported to.

The following figures provide a picture of the prevalence of child trafficking:

• As many as 1,000 to 1,500 Guatemalan babies and children are trafficked annually for adoption in North America and Europe.
• Asian and Eastern European girls, some as young as 13, are trafficked as “mail-order brides” exposing them to great risks of sexual abuse and violence.
• West and Central African children are transported in great numbers to serve as domestic workers and as sex slaves, particularly since 90% of the children are girls.
• It is estimated that 30% to 35% of sex workers in South East Asian region are aged 12 to 17 years old.
• Mexico estimates around 16,000 children working as prostitutes especially in hot tourist destinations and areas.
• Lithuanian children, some as young as 12 years old, are used to make pornographic films right in their own homes while 20 to 50% of all prostitutes in Lithuania are believed to be minors.

 
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