Sexual Exploitation in Asia and the Pacific

The sexual exploitation of children and youth is a global problem and is of growing concern around the world. The problem is particularly acute in the developing countries of Asia and in other areas undergoing rapid social and economic change.

Sexual exploitation of children and youth consists of young people being exploited sexually for profit. This can include, but is not limited to, prostitution, trafficking and pornography.

Very few children become willingly involved in forms of exploitation such as prostitution. Many are kidnapped, sold by members of their family, or tricked by brothel owners or procurers with promises of legitimate employment. Some children run away from difficult and abusive home lives and end up working in the sex trade as their only means of earning a living, which procurers and brothel owners exploit. Still others find themselves coerced into the sex trade with threats of violence, persuaded by lies of riches or propelled by substance abuse.

The sex trade has become a multi-billion dollar global industry, and sexual exploitation of children and youth is a profitable part of it. According to reports released during the World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, held in Sweden in 1996, more and more children are being lured into the sex trade annually and local demand and sex tourism are keeping the demand for adolescents high.

Children who have been victims of sexual exploitation suffer severe mental and physical trauma. Physically, children are at peril of contracting STDs, such as HIV/AIDS, which can have long-term and serious consequences to their health. Children are less likely to stand up for their rights. If a client refuses to use any form of protection, more often than not the child will relent and put themselves at risk. Some STDs can lead to cancer, sterility or even death.

There are still other health risks which adolescent sex workers frequently endure. They are subject to violence, perpetrated by clients or pimps, and they are often forced to live in extremely unsanitary conditions which can lead to many other health problems.

Drug addiction is also a genuine risk as children sometimes use substances to help them endure the situation they find themselves in. Long-term drug abuse can lead to a serious deterioration of a young person's health.

Furthermore, female child sex workers are also at risk of becoming pregnant. Pregnancy itself holds many risks for adolescents. If a girl decides to go through with an unwanted pregnancy and have the baby, there are physical risks associated with childbearing and giving birth at such a young age. Others may resort to unsafe abortions which may result in infections, infertility and other long-term health complications.

Sexually exploited children and youth also suffer mental trauma as a result of their participation in the sex trade, which for some may never be fully overcome. The stigma that is attached to victims of sexual exploitation often isolates the individual from their families and communities and prevents their entering the mainstream of society or even seeking help. Children who have worked in the sex trade have often been denied the opportunity to receive an education or skills training which would allow them to contribute to society and their own personal development. This can lead to a feeling of worthlessness and social dislocation.

Sexual exploitation has far reaching consequences for society. Children who become involved in the sex trade are denied their human rights and are far less likely to get an education or develop skills which will allow them to earn a living outside of sex work. Countries that do not put in place social policies which protect children and promote their education and skills development will end up having to deal with a depleted labour force, an underclass which is dislocated from the rest of society and the potential epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV/AIDS, which further destroys a nation's human resources potential.

© 1997-2001 United Nations ESCAP.