Research

Child trafficking is one of the most devastating forms of exploitation affecting millions of children globally. Here's a comprehensive overview of the issue, based on the latest research and reports:

Global Scope and Statistics

  • Rising Numbers: According to the UNODC 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, child trafficking cases increased by 31% between 2019 and 2022. Children now account for 38% of detected trafficking victims.

Gender Breakdown:

  • Girls: Mostly trafficked for sexual exploitation (60% of cases).
  • Boys: Often trafficked for forced labour (45%) and forced criminality or begging (47%).
  • Regional Hotspots:
  • Sub-Saharan AfricaCentral America, and parts of Asia report the highest proportions of child victims.
  • In high-income countries, trafficking often involves girls exploited for sex.

Root Causes

  • Poverty and Inequality: Economic hardship drives families to make desperate choices, sometimes even involving family members in trafficking.
  • Conflict and Displacement: Wars, natural disasters, and climate change displace children, leaving them vulnerable to traffickers.
  • Weak Protection Systems: Inadequate child protection laws and enforcement mechanisms allow traffickers to operate with impunity.
  • Technology-Facilitated Exploitation: Online platforms are increasingly used to groom and traffic children.

 

Forms of Exploitation

Type of Exploitation

Common Regions

Victim Profile

Sexual exploitation

High-income countries, Africa

Mostly girls

Forced labour

Africa, Asia, Latin America

Boys and girls

Forced criminality

Global (esp. online scams)

Boys, often unaccompanied

Forced marriage

South Asia, parts of Africa

Girls, sometimes trafficked by family

Begging and servitude

Urban centers, conflict zones

Young children

 

International Response

  • UNICEF Initiatives: Focus on prevention, protection, and reintegration of trafficked children. They work with governments and NGOs to strengthen child protection systems.
  • ICAT Call to Action: A coalition of 31 international organizations urging countries to improve victim identification, online safety, and legal protections.
  • Global Compact for Migration: Encourages safe migration pathways and protection for children on the move.

 

What Needs to Be Done

  • Early Detection & Intervention: Training frontline workers to spot signs of trafficking.
  • Cross-border Cooperation: Sharing intelligence and coordinating rescue operations.
  • Victim-Centered Support: Trauma-informed care, legal aid, and reintegration programs.
  • Public Awareness: Educating communities about the risks and signs of trafficking.

References

Paradox of denial: The evidence state officials won’t read on child trafficking | Daily Nation

 

Several Christian organizations are courageously working to rescue children from sex slavery and trafficking, combining frontline action with faith-based compassion. Here are some of the most impactful groups:

Shared Hope International

  • Founded by: Former U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith in 1998.
  • Mission: Prevent sex trafficking, restore survivors, and bring justice.
  • Approach:
    • Awareness & Prevention: Training communities and professionals to identify and prevent trafficking.
    • Restoration: Providing trauma-informed care and long-term support for survivors.
    • Justice Advocacy: Influencing legislation and policy to protect children.
  • Reach: Active in the U.S. and internationally, with research in countries like Japan, Jamaica, and the Netherlands.
  • Learn more on Shared Hope’s official site. Shared Hope International - Wikipedia

Hope for Justice

  • Mission: End human trafficking and modern slavery.
  • Faith Foundation: Rooted in Christian values of justice and mercy.
  • Programs:
    • Rescue & Advocacy: Works with law enforcement to remove victims from exploitation.
    • Aftercare: Offers safe housing, counseling, and reintegration support.
    • Training: Equips churches and communities to recognize trafficking signs.
  • Explore their work via Anti-slavery groups

 

The A21 Campaign

  • Goal: Abolish slavery everywhere, forever.
  • Faith-Driven Action: Founded by Christian leaders with a global vision.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • Rescue Operations: In partnership with law enforcement.
    • Shelters & Transition Homes: Located in Greece, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.
    • Education & Prevention: School programs and awareness campaigns.
  • Details available through Evangelical Alliance’s anti-slavery group list. Anti-slavery groups

 

In Australia, several Christian organizations are actively working to rescue children from sex trafficking and exploitation, combining frontline action with faith-based care and advocacy. Here are some of the most impactful efforts:

 

Destiny Rescue Australia

  • Mission: Rescue children from sexual exploitation and trafficking.
  • Faith Foundation: Operates with a Christian ethos of justice, compassion, and restoration.
  • Global Reach: While based in Australia, they conduct rescue missions in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Uganda.
  • Rescue & Restoration:
    • Covert operations in partnership with local authorities.
    • Residential care programs offering trauma counseling, vocational training, and spiritual healing.

 

ZOE Foundation Australia

  • Mission: Rescue children from slavery and restore them through Christian love and care.
  • Programs:
    • Prevention education in Australian schools.
    • Safe homes and long-term support for rescued children.
    • Advocacy and awareness campaigns to mobilize churches and communities.
  • Faith Focus: Deeply rooted in biblical principles of justice and mercy.
  • Visit ZOE Foundation Australia for more. Home - ZOE Australia | Let's Stop Human Trafficking Today

Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH)

 

Prayer Strategy for Rescuing Children from Sex Trafficking Rings

This is a deeply urgent and spiritual battle. Prayer can be a powerful force for justice, healing, and protection. Here’s a structured approach to guide your intercession:

  1. Spiritual Warfare & Protection

Pray for divine intervention to expose and dismantle trafficking networks.

  • Scripture FocusPsalm 10:15 – “Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account.”
  • Prayer Points:
    • Ask God to frustrate the plans of traffickers and buyers.
    • Declare confusion and exposure over hidden operations.
    • Pray for angelic protection over vulnerable children.

Revelation & Exposure

Pray that authorities, NGOs, and communities receive supernatural insight.

  • Scripture FocusLuke 8:17 – “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest.”
  • Prayer Points:
    • That law enforcement will uncover hidden rings.
    • That whistleblowers will be emboldened to speak.
    • That digital and physical evidence will come to light.

Healing for Survivors

Pray for emotional, physical, and spiritual restoration.

  • Scripture FocusJeremiah 30:17 – “I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.”
  • Prayer Points:
    • For trauma recovery and safe housing.
    • For loving caregivers and counselors.
    • For survivors to rediscover their identity and worth.

Repentance & Redemption

Pray for traffickers and buyers to be convicted and transformed.

  • Scripture FocusEzekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”
  • Prayer Points:
    • That perpetrators would be stopped and brought to justice.
    • That they would encounter the mercy and truth of Christ.
    • That cycles of abuse would be broken in families and communities.

Global Awakening & Advocacy

Pray for the Church and society to rise up in action.

  • Scripture FocusIsaiah 1:17 – “Seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless.”
  • Prayer Points:
    • That churches would speak boldly and act compassionately.
    • That governments would pass and enforce protective laws.
    • That awareness would lead to prevention and rescue.

 Prayer to End Child Slavery and Sex Trafficking

Heavenly Father,
We come before You with heavy hearts, burdened by the suffering of innocent children and vulnerable souls trapped in slavery and exploitation. We lift them up to You, Lord, asking for Your divine protection and deliverance.

 

Lilian

Bjorn and Lilian Schmid

Prayer Coordinators

Spheres of Influence

www.prayerstrategy.org

https://prayerstrategy.org/books/

+61412766917

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