Children of Haiti
Date of Publication
1-1-2023 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Human Rights
Keywords
Child trafficking, Poverty, Children's rights, education, health, human rights
Description
In Haiti, a significant number of child trafficking cases revolve around the exploitation of children as domestic workers, a practice commonly referred to as "Restavék." These vulnerable children endure physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and are not compensated for their labor. Traffickers frequently exploit sports, religious institutions, and family connections to identify and transport children from impoverished backgrounds to families in need of indentured servitude. The harsh treatment and living conditions they endure often drive these children to escape, forcing them into a life on the streets, making them even more susceptible to human trafficking. Child trafficking is not confined within Haiti's borders; it extends to the Haitian-Dominican Republic border, the United States, and various Caribbean nations (as reported by the US Department of Labor in 2020). More recently, a report by Save the Children raised concerns about the heightened risk of child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation following the devastating earthquake in August 2021. The earthquake caused significant damage to 30% (48 homes) of children's facilities in southern Haiti, housing approximately 1,700 children. This disaster exacerbated the already dire situation, pushing more children into homelessness and increasing their vulnerability (as per Save the Children's 2021 report).
Children of Haiti
In Haiti, a significant number of child trafficking cases revolve around the exploitation of children as domestic workers, a practice commonly referred to as "Restavék." These vulnerable children endure physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and are not compensated for their labor. Traffickers frequently exploit sports, religious institutions, and family connections to identify and transport children from impoverished backgrounds to families in need of indentured servitude. The harsh treatment and living conditions they endure often drive these children to escape, forcing them into a life on the streets, making them even more susceptible to human trafficking. Child trafficking is not confined within Haiti's borders; it extends to the Haitian-Dominican Republic border, the United States, and various Caribbean nations (as reported by the US Department of Labor in 2020). More recently, a report by Save the Children raised concerns about the heightened risk of child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation following the devastating earthquake in August 2021. The earthquake caused significant damage to 30% (48 homes) of children's facilities in southern Haiti, housing approximately 1,700 children. This disaster exacerbated the already dire situation, pushing more children into homelessness and increasing their vulnerability (as per Save the Children's 2021 report).
