Child prostitution is a form of commercial sexual exploitation of children, which refers to prostitution involving a child. It is the use of children for sexual activities in exchange for remuneration or another form of retribution, such as gifts, food, clothes, etc. Child prostitution usually manifests in the form of sex trafficking, in which a child is kidnapped or tricked into becoming involved in the sex trade, or survival sex, in which the child engages in sexual activities to procure basic essentials such as food and shelter. Child prostitution is illegal under international law and national laws in most jurisdictions as part of a general prohibition on prostitution.
It is estimated that there are more than three million minors who feed prostitution networks worldwide. Wars, natural catastrophes, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic all contribute to the increase in the number of orphans, and being so vulnerable, these children accept any kind of work. Prostitution becomes a way to survive because the activity is extremely profitable compared to other forms of degrading or dangerous work.
It is important to note that describing trafficked and exploited children as prostitutes is a contradiction in terms. The term "child prostitute" suggests consent or agency, when, in this case, there really is none. Moreover, the term "child prostitute" has the effect of dismissing the victimization and abuse that has been committed against the child, and makes it somehow different or more tolerable from other forms of rape or sexual abuse of minors.
In summary, child prostitution is a form of commercial sexual exploitation of children, which refers to prostitution involving a child. It is illegal under international law and national laws in most jurisdictions as part of a general prohibition on prostitution. Child prostitution usually manifests in the form of sex trafficking or survival sex, and it is important to avoid using the term "child prostitute" as it dismisses the victimization and abuse that has been committed against the child.
