Child Trafficking Profitable, on Rise, Forum Told

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Child Trafficking Profitable, on Rise, Forum Told

New York Times (12.19.01) - Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Reuters

Likening the trade to a modern form of slavery, the UN estimates more than 30 million women and children have fallen victim to sex trafficking over the past three decades in Asia alone. The issue is high on the agenda of a global conference being held near Tokyo this week on the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Margherita Amodeo, UNICEF regional communication adviser for West and Central Africa, said that out of 150 million children in the region, at least 50 million were considered vulnerable and in need of special protection. "They include former child soldiers or child soldiers, street children, children living in extreme poverty, child victims of sexual exploitation and orphans and children who are infected by AIDS." US authorities estimate that 45,000 to 50,000 women and children are trafficked annually to the United States, while UNICEF says China has 200,000 to 500,000 child sex workers.
011219
AD012203

Copyright © 2001 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.