A global phenomenon

The commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth is of growing concern around the world. The problem is particularly acute in the developing countries of Asia and in other areas undergoing rapid socio-economic change. Sexual exploitation includes, but is not limited to, prostitution, trafficking and pornography.

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 situations and end up in sex work as their only means of earning a living, which procurers and brothel owners exploit. Still others find themselves coerced into the sex industry with threats of violence and persuaded by lies. In many cases substance abuse prevails.

A multi-billion dollar industry

The sex industry has become a multi-billion dollar global industry. Sexual exploitation of children and youth is a profitable part of it. Local demand, sex tourism and internet pornography are keeping the demand high, and, as a result, the number of children and youth lured into the sex industry annually is increasing.

What about the children?

Children who have been victims of sexual exploitation suffer severe mental and physical trauma.

Physically, children are at high risk of contracting STIs, such as HIV/AIDS. Other physical problems children encounter include poor nutrition and hygiene. Psychosocial problems include feelings of low self-esteem, severe guilt and suicidal tendencies. Despite this dire situation, there is a severe lack of health and social services for victims of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

The response

In response to the above, at the 53rd Session of UNESCAP in April 1997, the 60 member governments of UNESCAP adopted resolution 53/4 on the elimination of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and youth in Asia and the Pacific.

This was the first time that governments in the Asia-Pacific region joined forces to tackle the problem of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and youth. In pursuance of the resolution, the Health and Development Section of UNESCAP implemented a regional programme to combat sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and youth from 1998 - 2004.