INCREASE IN THE BUSINESS OF GLOBAL CHILD EXPLOITATION

         Despite the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by 195 countries taking place this week, the business of global child exploitation has continued to increase. In the U.S., government investigators who uncover child exploitation initiated more than 4,000 cases around the world this past year, resulting in thousands of arrests and the identification of more than 1,000 victims. These totals represent a marked increase over previous years.

 While caseloads are growing due to the ease with which offenders can post graphic images online, the arrests are also up as a result of cooperation between countries in combatting child sex trafficking. A U.S. law signed by Pres. Barack Obama in 2016, for instance, mandates notification when registered sex offenders travel, giving countries a heads-up, particularly in locations where child sex tourism and abuse are rampant. (Washington Post, “Data shows upswing in child exploitation cases,” November 14, 2019). 

In addition to government actions, the private sector also plays a role in reducing child exploitation. Recognizing the potential of the business community to add to efforts to halt child trafficking, the 2020 Global Summit of Women addresses the topic with a session on “Business Performance with Purpose: Curtailing Violence Against Women and Girls. ” This session will feature business leaders involved in combating gender-based violence and present a framework for responsible business conduct. “It should be noted that the trafficking of minors – girls and boys – is a thriving global business that must be curtailed, which is why this business forum for women must address this growing problem worldwide,” states Summit President Irene Natividad.

            To see more topics addressed in this global gathering, see the full Summit program here.