What Is Child Exploitation?

Many organizations are working to help people accurately answer the question: what is child exploitation? From organizations like the International Labour Organization to A21, many groups are working hard to inform the public about the extent of the exploitation.

Legaldictionary.net defines child exploitation as “the act of using a minor child for profit, labor, sexual gratification, or some other personal or financial advantage.”1

This includes but is not limited to:
  • Child labor
  • Sex trafficking
  • Physical abuse
  • Child sacrifice
  • Child pornography
  • Child marriage
  • Child soldiers
Each of these and more deprives a child of a healthy childhood when they should be growing, developing healthy relationships and receiving an education.

UNICEF reports,

“No matter their story or circumstance, all children have the right to be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse.”2

They also say,

“Violence against children knows no boundaries. It happens in every country, and in the places children should be most protected—their homes, schools and online. It can be physical, emotional or sexual. And in most cases, children experience violence at the hands of the people they trust.”3

Though many countries have enacted laws around these dangers for children, and companies make promises to correct their supply chains, there is evidence that these groups do not take the necessary actions to disrupt the issue, most likely because of economic pressures.

This does not mean there isn’t hope for children in situations where exploitation seems inevitable. Organizations and governments are stepping up, and GFA World is uniquely positioned to provide a safe haven for these children.


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