Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery and children are subjected to this horrific practice globally on a daily basis. Human trafficking is a vicious crime against with about 14,500–17,500 victims trafficked in African countries annually.
Trafficked victims are subjected to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse through forced labor, commercial sex, and slavery–like practices. Traffickers sell, trade, and exploit victims using violence and coercion as their means of control.
Children are the main victims of trafficking, across Africa. A study compiled by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) showed that all fifty-three (53) African countries reported human trafficking spurred by poverty, armed conflicts and instability as well as traditional practices such as early marriage. These victims are recruited as soldiers or sold into prostitution; they are forced into exploitative situations for profits.
Exploitation can be:
- Forced labour: a situation whereby children are coerced to work through the use of violence or intimidation
- Domestic servitude: a form of forced labour; in this situation children perform a range of task in private homes including cooking, cleaning and running errands.
- Sexual exploitation : using children to satisfy or gratify the sexual desires of adults
Most child trafficking victims come from poor neighbourhoods and have little or no education; so they are kidnapped or lured by the prospect of a job or education. These children are forced to work as sex slaves, domestic laborers and miners. Their captors subject them to a violent environment and do not provide sufficient amount of food for them.
Children do not deserve to suffer; help a child in your environment.
‘’ SAVE A CHILD,HELP EXPLOITED KIDS,NO CHILD DESERVE FOR TO BE EXPLOITED SEXUAL GRATIFICATION’’
Raising Awareness,through the simple act of sharing
