Migrant children and the phenomenon of trafficking

Abstract

According to the latest UN Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, many states have reported an increase in the victims of this phenomenon, due, on the one hand, to the improvement of detection procedures and, on the other, to a greater incidence of the phenomenon itself. Women and girls are the most vulnerable, while minors account for about 30% of registered victims. The most widespread form of trafficking is for the purpose of sexual exploitation, followed by trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. There is also an increased risk in the context of migration. The need to implement systems of social protection and child protection emerges strongly, both in order to prevent, then to understand and manage with increasing effectiveness the cases of trafficking and exploitation of children, by answering their specific needs.