ASEAN Children Trafficking: The Status and Recommendations

Abstract

Trafficking in persons is a major problem worldwide. ASEAN countries are not an exception to the challenge of trafficking in persons. Trafficking in children is a significant problem in ASEAN countries, whereby children are trafficked into exploitative labour and sexual exploitation. This study aimed to highlight the problem of trafficking in children in ASEAN countries and how children are exploited after being trafficked. The study findings will add to the existing knowledge on trafficking in general and the trafficking of children in particular in ASEAN countries. The researcher relied on a library-based (literature review) approach that involved analysis of existing literature on the topic. The study revealed that a lot of children are trafficked in ASEAN countries. It was also discovered that poverty, conflicts, and a promise of a better future are key drivers of trafficking. The research also revealed that labour and sexual exploitation are rampant among trafficked children. This paper adds to the existing body of knowledge on trafficking in children. ASEAN countries should come with joint concerted efforts to tame trafficking in children by sealing all the existing loopholes.