The Child: Value or a Valuable Commodity?

Abstract

Aim: This study summarises the available knowledge in the context of trafficking in human beings in the spring of 2022, especially those involving child victims. Demographic data show that the birth rate is decreasing in Hungary, with fewer children being born every year since 1981, and those who are born are even more vulnerable and need to be protected. From the moment they are born, they trust that they will be protected and cared for, which is also necessary for their healthy development. The sexual exploitation and abuse suffered at the hands of their family members have a particularly long-lasting suffering and impact, the price of which is paid not only by the victim but also by society as a whole.
Methodology: The study is a review of the available international and national literature, presenting the phenomenon introducing a case study.
Findings: Few domestic studies have been published on child trafficking, and there is little visibility of under-18s as victims of sexual and labour exploitation. The statistics show that the victims of sexual exploitation are mainly girls, while the victims of labour exploitation are mainly boys, but the sexual exploitation of boys should also be reported. The majority of exploitative crimes against under-18s are not mainly committed by family members, although unfortunately this still happens.
Value: Few national summaries of child trafficking are available: here we discuss exploitation for labour purposes as well as sexual exploitation. This study is only the first step, and the research will continue with interviews with members of the care system.