Child Sexual Exploitation
The commercial sexual exploitation of children is child sexual abuse in exchange for some sort of payment, either money or favours. The term includes child prostitution, child pornography and the sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes. These acts violate children's rights and are very serious crimes, cited in the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention 1999 (No.182) as worst forms of child labour that must be eliminated without delay.
It is impossible to know the true extent of the problem because of its hidden and illegal nature. The ILO estimate that there are as many as 1.8 million children exploited in prostitution or pornography worldwide. While the age that a child becomes involved may be quite young, 15 to 17-year olds are the most affected. Most are girls, but a significant number are boys.
As is the case for other worst forms of child labour, severe poverty, a cultural obligation to help support the family or the need to earn money to simply survive are all factors that make children vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation. They may believe that this will be a way of earning more money than in other jobs, or it may appear the only option available. For many children, they have no choice in the matter as they are tricked or bullied by adults into this work.
Child Trafficking
Child trafficking means moving children to another place, either within or outside their own country, for the purpose of exploitation. Many are forced to work as prostitutes or in the pornography industry, while others enter forced marriage contracts. Children may be deceived or coerced into being transported or they may be sold to the traffickers in exchange for money. Some children leave their countries willingly in the hopes of a better life, but end up in situations where their health and safety are in danger.
Child Prostitution
Child prostitution means using children for sex in return for money. Children may turn to prostitution when they have no other options for earning money. HIV/AIDS has increased demand for ever younger child prostitutes, in the mistaken belief that they present a much lower risk of infection.
Child Pornography
Child pornography means photos and videos of children which are used by adults for sexual purposes. The use of children in the production of pornography is sexual exploitation and there is a clear linkage between the pornography of children and sexual abuse. The Internet has made it increasingly easy for adults to get hold of these images, without being caught.