Sexual exploitation and trafficking of the young and vulnerable: reflections on a legal, ethical, and human rights disgrace
English, A.
Adolescent Medicine State of the Art Reviews 22(2): 312
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1934-4287 PMID: 22106745 Document Number: 651502
Sexual exploitation and trafficking of the young and vulnerable has devastating consequences for their physical and emotional development, health, and well-being. The horrific treatment they suffer bears the hallmarks of evil made manifest. Governments have enacted laws pursuant to international treaties, conventions, and protocols. Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working to prevent young people from being exploited and trafficked, to identify victims, and to provide services to survivors. Progress in addressing the problem is haltingly slow in relation to its magnitude. The prevalence and persistence of this phenomenon is an ethical, legal, and human rights disgrace.