Statistics

Child Trafficking Victims: Globally, 35% of all detected victims of trafficking are children. In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, children account for 60% to 73% of known trafficking victims.

Increase in Child Trafficking: Over the past 15 years, the proportion of identified child trafficking victims has tripled. The number of boys among these victims has increased fivefold.

Forms of Exploitation

Sexual Exploitation: The most common form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, accounting for 79% of cases. Victims are predominantly women and girls.

Forced Labor: The second most common form is forced labor, representing 18% of cases. However, this may be underreported compared to sexual exploitation.

Regional Insights

Children as Majority Victims: In some parts of Africa and the Mekong region, children constitute the majority (up to 100%) of trafficking victims.

Domestic Trafficking: Most exploitation occurs close to home with intra-regional and domestic trafficking being major forms.

Legal and Enforcement Challenges

Convictions: While convictions for human trafficking are increasing, two out of every five countries have not recorded a single conviction.

Implementation Gaps: Although the number of Member States implementing the United Nations Protocol against Trafficking in Persons has more than doubled from 54 to 125 out of 155 States covered, many countries still lack necessary legal frameworks or political will.

Sec Dynamics

Women as Traffickers: In about 30% of countries providing data on traffickers’ gender, women make up the largest proportion. In some regions, women trafficking women is common.

Call to Action

Efforts must be intensified globally to protect children from exploitation by ensuring safe migration pathways and enhancing legal frameworks. Governments need to increase accountability measures against traffickers and provide comprehensive support for victims.