Child prostitution

Overview of child prostitution

Child prostitution refers to the commercial sexual exploitation of children, where a child engages in sexual activities for remuneration or any other form of consideration. This practice is considered a form of child sexual abuse and is illegal in most countries around the world.

Definition

Child prostitution is defined as the use of a child in sexual activities for remuneration or any other form of consideration. It is a form of child exploitation and is often linked to human trafficking.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of child prostitution, including:

• Poverty: Economic hardship can drive families to exploit their children for financial gain.
• Lack of education: Children who are not in school are more vulnerable to exploitation.
• Family breakdown: Children from broken homes or those who are homeless are at higher risk.
• Demand for child sex tourism: Some regions experience high demand for child prostitution due to sex tourism.

Consequences

The consequences of child prostitution are severe and long-lasting, affecting the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the child. These include:

• Physical abuse and sexual violence
• Psychological trauma and mental health disorders
• Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Social stigma and marginalization

Legal Framework

Internationally, child prostitution is addressed under several legal frameworks, including:

• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• The Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography
• The Palermo Protocol

Prevention and Protection

Efforts to combat child prostitution focus on prevention, protection, and rehabilitation. Key strategies include:

• Strengthening child protection systems
• Providing education and economic opportunities for at-risk children
• Enforcing laws against child exploitation
• Supporting victim rehabilitation and reintegration programs

See also

• Child labor
• Human trafficking
• Sexual exploitation
• Child abuse

External links

• UNICEF Child Protection
• ECPAT International