Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of children

In this chapter the authors argue that both commercial sexual exploitation if children and trafficking in children are significant and growing problems in southern Africa. Although sex tourism is one aspect of this problem, the underlying causes of the sexual exploitation of children are firmly embedded in social inequalities, corruption, gender discrimination, cheap labour practices and poor educational opportunities. Worsening poverty among especially vulnerable families and communities affected by HIV/AIDS, and the increasing adult mortality associated with AIDS-illness, are creating, potentially very dangerous situation for children. Under these conditions, children prematurely engage in livelihood activities, most in demand and lucrative if which is sex.