TDH Position Paper on Sexual Exploitation of Children

Worldwide, more than one million children are exploited in the sex industry, with some estimates reaching up to two million.1 Most of these victims are between thirteen and eighteen years old, although cases are known involving much younger children.

A complex combination of rapidly evolving factors influence the vulnerability of children to become victims of sexual exploitation. Poverty and inequality contribute significantly to children’s vulnerability; cultural norms and traditional gender roles, mixed with modern technologies and globalisation, create circumstances in which the demand for children for sexual purposes can be answered. At any time, there are an estimated 750,000 individuals looking to connect with minors for sexual purposes online.