Child trafficking manifests in the form of domestic labour, forced child labour across industries, and illegal activities such as begging, organ trade and commercial sex purposes. Estimates show that children account for one in every three detected victims of trafficking worldwide; this rises to one in two in low-income countries.
In 2021, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported a staggering statistic: an average of eight children fell victim to trafficking every day in India. These cases encompassed various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, begging, and sexual exploitation.
The figures reveal a concerning trend, with 2,834 cases documented in 2018, 2,914 in 2019, and 2,222 in 2020. It’s important to note that these statistics only account for confirmed trafficking cases, excluding instances of missing children. The true extent of the issue may be more profound than these numbers suggest.
Factors responsible for Child Trafficking
- Sex Trade Industry and Domestic Labor:
- Exploitation in the sex trade industry and domestic labor serves as a significant driver of child trafficking.
- Minor girls in the age group of 15-18 are particularly vulnerable to trafficking for these purposes.
- Economic Factors:
- As per data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), eight children were trafficked every day in India in 2021- for labour, begging and sexual exploitation.
- Poverty, hunger, and a lack of employment opportunities contribute to the prevalence of child trafficking.
- Families facing economic hardships may be compelled to consider trafficking as a desperate means to cope with financial struggles.
- Social Factors:
- Caste and community-based discrimination in rural areas create an environment that fosters the vulnerability of children.
- Unfair treatment further exacerbates the risk, making certain communities more susceptible to child trafficking.
- External Influences:
- UNICEF estimates that approximately 1.2 million children are trafficked worldwide every year, and India is considered a source, transit, and destination country for child trafficking.
- Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, and climate change act as external factors that increase the vulnerability of children to trafficking.
- Disruptions caused by these events create conditions where children are more susceptible to exploitation and trafficking.
- Lack of Awareness and Reporting:
- Limited awareness about the modalities of trafficking often results in underreporting of cases.
- Reluctance to seek police assistance and socio-economic deprivation contribute to the concealment of many trafficking incidents.
- Demand for Cheap Labor:
- The demand for inexpensive labor, both within the country and internationally, fuels the trafficking of children for forced labor and bonded labor.
- Inadequate Legal Framework:
- Gaps in the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms may allow traffickers to operate with relative impunity, hindering efforts to combat child trafficking effectively.
- Weak Social Support Systems:
- Insufficient social support systems and protective measures leave children without adequate safeguards, making them more susceptible to trafficking.
Challenges in Legislation:
India lacks a comprehensive anti-trafficking law encompassing prevention, protection, rehabilitation, and compensation for survivors. Instead, existing regulations focus on specific aspects of trafficking, leading to fragmented coverage.
- The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA): Targets immoral trafficking and sex work but has faced criticism for assuming all trafficking is sex-related. Critics argue ITPA tends to criminalize sex workers without adequate legal recourse or provisions for rehabilitation.
Legislation Addressing Specific Crimes:
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Outlaws and penalizes child marriages.
- Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: Regulates children’s employment, with a 2016 amendment banning employment for children below 14.
- Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Prohibits servitude conditions for labor and provides a framework for rehabilitating released laborers.
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Governs laws related to children in conflict with the law.
- Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994: Criminalizes commercial dealings in human organs.
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Aims to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of children.
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013: Revises Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code, incorporating the concept of human trafficking.
Initiatives:
- India’s Pledge to Eliminate Child Labor: Aims to eradicate child labor by 2025, with regulations allowing limited work for adolescents aged 14-18 in family businesses under safe conditions.
- Institutional Setup – Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): Established in 2007 to address gaps in law enforcement responses. AHTUs emphasize a victim-centric approach, prioritizing the ‘best interest of the victim/survivor.’ Tasked with developing databases on traffickers to enhance anti-trafficking efforts.
FAQs
Q: What is child trafficking?
A: Child trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation. It can include forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse.
Q: How prevalent is child trafficking globally?
A: Child trafficking is unfortunately widespread, affecting millions of children worldwide. Exact numbers are difficult to ascertain due to the hidden nature of the crime, but it’s considered a significant problem in both developed and developing countries.
Q: What are the common risk factors for child trafficking?
A: Vulnerable children, such as those living in poverty, without parental care, or in conflict zones, are at higher risk. Additionally, children with limited education, social support, or those belonging to marginalized groups are often targeted by traffickers.
Q: How do traffickers lure children into trafficking situations?
A: Traffickers often use deception, manipulation, and coercion to lure children into trafficking situations. They may promise them better opportunities, education, or a brighter future, only to exploit them for labor or sexual purposes once they’re under their control.
Q: What can individuals and communities do to combat child trafficking?
A: Awareness-raising, education, and community involvement are crucial in combating child trafficking. Supporting anti-trafficking organizations, advocating for stronger laws and enforcement, and fostering safe environments for children to report abuse are all important steps in preventing and addressing this issue.
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