A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE (CSA) LEGAL FRAMEWORKS IN SOUTH ASIA: POLICY IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTION FOR COUNTRIES

AbstractThis paper provides a systematic review of child sexual abuse (CSA) legal frameworks across South Asia, analyzing eight countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—to identify commonalities, gaps, and policy implications. While all nations have undertaken legislative reforms following the UNCRC, significant inconsistencies remain in definitions, mandatory reporting provisions, age of marriage, judicial protections, and victim rehabilitation mechanisms. India and Nepal stand out for their comprehensive definitions and procedural safeguards, while Maldives’ post-sentence monitoring of offenders is a unique regional measure. Persistent challenges include weak enforcement, absence of specialized courts in some jurisdictions, socio-cultural stigma, lack of reliable databases, and gaps in addressing non-contact and online offenses. The study argues for harmonized regional standards, expansion of definitions to cover emerging forms of abuse, specialized training for law enforcement and judiciary, and stronger cross-border cooperation. A victim-centric approach, coupled with preventive education and structured rehabilitation, is essential for strengthening child protection and reducing CSA across South Asia. Keywords: Child Sexual Abuse, South Asia, Legal Frameworks, POCSO, UNCRC, Mandatory Reporting, Child Marriage, Victim Rehabilitation, Cross-Border Trafficking, Policy Harmonization.