Sale of Children and Trafficking in Children as International Crimes

Abstract

Trafficking in and sale of children are among the worst crimes against children brought to the forefront at varying degrees in the last few decades. Both crimes are very similar, though not identical. Hence, it is important to look at the issues from this dual perspective. This contribution highlights some forms of child abuse that are facilitated through or amounting to the sale of children for different purposes, including, sexual exploitation, prostitution, forced labor, and child marriage, to name a few.

The contribution makes the point that the eradication of all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation of children will depend on how the underpinning causes of the demand for the sale and sexual exploitation of children are being addressed by every single society across the world. The social, cultural, gender, and institutional constructs that foster the conditions in which the sexual exploitation of children is ignored, tolerated, or even accepted must be tackled as a matter of priority in the long run. In addition, accountability mechanism and preventions strategies must be put in place for both in order to eradicate the abuses. Without these profound human rights-based and child-centered reforms, we will be unable to provide a brighter future to our children.