Author: Hera, Content writer
Writes for the Headline Diplomat eMagazine, Ludci.eu
Child trafficking has severe immediate and long-term consequences for victims. The statistics surrounding child trafficking are staggering. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons reveals that one in three victims of trafficking is a child [^1^]. This is set against the backdrop of 50,000 victims of human trafficking reported in 148 countries and more [^2^]. The number of trafficked children is even higher in countries such as West Africa, South Asia, and Central America [^2^]. Additionally, child trafficking occurs in every country and affects both boys and girls [^3^]. Simply put, no child is safe until child trafficking is stamped out permanently.
The statistics are worrisome, especially as the methods human traffickers employ have not changed much over the years. These criminals typically profile and target the vulnerable, which includes the poor, women, and, most especially, children. Children are more likely to be lured by items such as toys [^4^]. Family members or friends can also deceive and traffic children, luring them with the promises of education or a better life [^5^]. In most cases, the reverse often turns out to be the case, as these children end up exponentially worse off than they were at first. Furthermore, it is also relatively easy to capture, subdue, and transport children. Children are also more likely to be abducted in countries experiencing violent conflicts, such as war zones. People in these regions also tend to subscribe to cultural practices where children are forced to engage in sometimes paid but often unpaid labor [^6^]. All of these factors contribute to the high rate of child trafficking.
Children are often trafficked to be engaged in child labor, sexual exploitation, or as domestic servants. The 2021 International Labor Organization (ILO) Report puts the number of children in situations of forced labor at 3.3 million [^7^]. This is alarming, especially as there appears to be a hike in the statistics from previous years. This suggests that despite the efforts put in by stakeholders, the menace does not seem to be abating.
It goes without saying that child trafficking is a menace that needs to be stamped out swiftly; the harm it does to children cannot be effectively quantified. The trauma from trafficking can be both physical and psychological. Trafficked children are often subjected to dehumanizing conditions of living, degradation, exploitation, infliction of trauma, and often physically and sexually assaulted. Sexual assaults often result in illnesses, and in such environments, adequate medical care is not provided, leading to worsened health situations over time.
Additionally, the scars of trafficking remain even when trafficked children manage to escape or are rescued. These children may become ostracized due to internalized feelings of shame and guilt. In some cases, they could be wilfully excluded from social interactions with others due to being trafficked. Ostracism resulting from child trafficking makes it difficult for these children to reintegrate fully into society.
The fight against child trafficking is a long way from being over. However, the expected result will ultimately show up if everyone puts in the effort needed. Some of the ways individuals, institutions, and governments can work to eliminate child trafficking include:
Education: Increased knowledge about child trafficking, its signs, and potential victims can make a difference. People who often relate with children, including teachers, parents, guardians, and caregivers, must constantly self-educate on child trafficking. There are a lot of resources online for anyone who wants to begin the journey [^8^].
Careful Attention: Child trafficking does not happen in a vacuum. Victims are sometimes stalked before being preyed on. More so, some categories of children are more susceptible to being trafficked by others. Children in this category include those with a history of (sexual) abuse, children from unstable families, and those prone to running away from home [^9^].
Action: It would take collective action for child trafficking to be stamped out for good. This means that everyone, stakeholder or not, must promptly report suspected cases of child trafficking to the authorities. There’s no such thing as being too vigilant; a child’s future may well depend on it[^10^].
In conclusion, child trafficking is a crime that has no place in a sane society. Its repercussions and ripple effect follow children well into adulthood. Thus, individuals, organizations, and the government must collaborate to eradicate this menace. Child trafficking will be eliminated only through decisive, swift, and collaborative efforts.
References:
[^1^] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (n.d.). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html
[^2^] International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/publications/WCMS_648489/lang–en/index.htm
[^3^] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2016). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/glotip/2016_Global_Report_on_Trafficking_in_Persons.pdf
[^4^] UNICEF. (n.d.). Child Trafficking. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/protection/child-trafficking
[^5^] Polaris. (n.d.). Signs of Human Trafficking. Retrieved from https://polarisproject.org/recognize-signs
[^6^] International Organization for Migration (IOM). (n.d.). Fact Sheet: Child Trafficking. Retrieved from https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/our_work/ICP/IDM/THB/Child%20Trafficking.pdf
[^7^] International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/publications/WCMS_648489/lang–en/index.htm
[^8^] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (n.d.). Resources on Trafficking in Persons. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/resources.html
[^9^] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (n.d.). Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/toolkit.html
[^10^] Blue Campaign. (n.d.). Reporting Suspected Human Trafficking. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-is-human-trafficking/reporting-suspected-human-trafficking
Featured Photo: Nila Racigan, Pexels.
