Trade in African Child Slaves, Prostitutes On the Rise

Child Labour News Service, 5 June 2001

New Delhi—The child slave and prostitute trade is on the rise in eastern and southern Africa, according to a study by the University of Malawi.

Research on migration showed that businesswomen from Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania are the master brains in the organised sex and slave trade of girls between 12 and 13 years, said Wiseman Chirwa, deputy director of the university's Centre for Social Research.

Young girls from poor families are commonly tricked into prostitution and slavery with empty promises of good jobs in Britain and South Africa, Chirwa said. Malawi chairs a special regional committee on sexual abuse of children and child soldiers. Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique also serve on the committee.

For further information contact Toko Tomita, Global March Against Child Labour; Tel: (91 11) 622 4899; E-mail: yatra@del2.vsnl.net.in, Website: www.globalmarch.org