The terminology applied to the practice is a subject of dispute. It excludes other identifiable manifestations of CSEC, such as commercial sexual exploitation through child marriage, domestic child labor, and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. The former is sometimes used to describe the wider concept of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Īccording to the International Labour Office in Geneva, prostitution of children and child pornography are two primary forms of child sexual exploitation, which often overlap. The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999, (Convention No 182) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) describes it as the "use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution". Both emphasize that the child is a victim of exploitation, even if apparent consent is given. The Convention on the Rights of the Child's Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography defines the practice as "the act of obtaining, procuring or offering the services of a child or inducing a child to perform sexual acts for any form of compensation or reward". The United Nations defines it as "the act of engaging or offering the services of a child to perform sexual acts for money or other consideration with that person or any other person".
Several definitions have been proposed for prostitution of children.
Some people travel to foreign countries to engage in child sex tourism.
Prostitution of children is commonly associated with child pornography, and they often overlap. In most jurisdictions, child prostitution is illegal as part of general prohibition on prostitution.Ĭhild prostitution usually manifests in the form of sex trafficking, in which a child is kidnapped or tricked into becoming involved in the sex trade, or survival sex, in which the child engages in sexual activities to procure basic essentials such as food and shelter. The term normally refers to prostitution of a minor, or person under the legal age of consent. Illegal under international law and national lawsĬhild prostitution is prostitution involving a child, and it is a form of commercial sexual exploitation of children. Statue of a young 19th-century prostituted child