"... the use of a child in sexual activities for remuneration or any other form of consideration." (Source: Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child)
Sexual exploitation of children through prostitution is an age old and global problem. In some countries it has existed for centuries, embedded in historical and cultural practices.
Recent events, such as the 1997 Asian economic crisis and the transition to a free market capitalist economy in Eastern Europe, have intensified the problem.
Local demand has always been, and is now, a significant factor.
Foreign demand, if measured in numbers alone, is less. Yet much of the efforts to combat child prostitution in developing countries concentrate on the abuse committed by foreign exploiters.
There are two reasons for this. The first is that the economic and social power of the foreign exploiter is far greater than that of the child, and thus the abuse of power is accentuated.
The second is that the foreign exploiter can easily leave the country where the abuse takes place and avoid prosecution. In response to the latter, the use of extraterritorial jurisdiction is being promoted in many countries.
Extraterritorial legislation enables a country to prosecute its citizens for crimes (against children) even if they are committed outside of the country. Many laws do not require that the act for which they are charged within their own country be a crime in the country where the act was committed (double criminality). To date, at least 32 countries have enacted extraterritorial legislation.
Still, authorities face obstacles when conducting investigations and prosecuting offences committed abroad. Collection of reliable evidence and testimonies depend on cooperation with the local police. Differences in language, culture and attitude towards commercial sexual exploitation of children may complicate matters further.
Foreign demand has been spurred on by economic development policies which promote foreign investment, attracting both expatriates and tourists.
The presence of military personnel, peace-keeping forces and aid workers has also been a contributing factor to sexual exploitation of children through prostitution.
