Child modern slavery, trafficking and health: a practical review of factors contributing to children’s vulnerability and the potential impacts of severe exploitation on health

Abstract

Child trafficking is a form of modern slavery, a rapidly growing, mutating and multifaceted system of severe human exploitation, violence against children, child abuse and child rights violations. Modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) represents a major global public health concern with victims exposed to profound short-term and long-term physical, mental, psychological, developmental and even generational risks to health. Children with increased vulnerability to MSHT, victims (in active exploitation) and survivors (post-MSHT exploitation) are attending healthcare settings, presenting critical windows of opportunity for safeguarding and health intervention.Recognition of child modern slavery victims can be very challenging. Healthcare providers benefit from understanding the diversity of potential physical, mental, behavioural and developmental health presentations, and the complexity of children’s responses to threat, fear, manipulation, deception and abuse.Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to have influence, where possible, beyond the care of individual patients. Research, health insights, advocacy and promotion of MSHT survivor input enhances the collaborative development of evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention and aftercare of affected children and families.

Clinical and forensic aspect’s of the cocaine body packer in senegal

“…As a matter of fact, they represent a significant source of illicit income through forced labor or prostitution. 9 As far as Body packing is concerned, police officers have a low tendency to suspect children.…”

Preparing children for climate-related disasters

“…Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in situations of climate-related disasters and disasters have different impacts on children including fatalities, injuries, child trafficking, child labour, separation and child abuse in different forms. [7][8][9] Disasters affect different dimensions of children's health and well-being both directly and indirectly. Children under 5 years experienced more diseases related to climate change than others.…”

Identifying human trafficking in adults

“…All victims, including possible or potential victims of modern slavery who are under the age of 18 must be referred to children’s social care services urgently under local child protection procedures. Further information on children and trafficking is outside the scope of this article but for more information see BMJ Paediatrics Open 6…”

“…For more information on Child Trafficking read: Child modern slavery, trafficking and health: a practical review of factors contributing to children’s vulnerability and the potential impacts of severe exploitation on health6https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000327…”

“…This article is predominantly about identifying adult victims and adult survivors, but the term “trafficked people” will be used if a principle might also be applicable to victims and survivors under 18. For further information on trafficking in children, see BMJ Paediatrics Open 6…”