Child Trafficking

Child trafficking is a global phenomenon that is particularly widespread in developing countries where there are high levels of poverty. An estimated 1.2 million children are involved in trafficking every year, although the definition of a child differs from country to country. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) has provided a comprehensive definition of human trafficking in the protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.

A child can be defined as a minor or a vulnerable person whose care and welfare depends on either their parents or the government. In some countries the care of children is a joint responsibility of parents and government, while in others this responsibility is placed solely on parents. Child trafficking is a voluntary and involuntary ...