Child Trafficking & Human Trafficking : Legal Aspects and Role of a Doctor

Abstract

Counter-trafficking measures are to be implemented at various levels and by various organisations. The
medical professionals also play an important role in this area as in many cases, the victims are first identified
when they require some form of medical attention.
A child victim of trafficking is any person younger than 18 years against whom the act of trafficking has
been committed.The definition of child trafficking differs from that of trafficking in humans in the respect
that children are considered being vulnerable not only because of their level of maturity and age but also
other factors.
This article highlights the various legal aspects of child and human trafficking in India. The victim of
trafficking may not himself disclose what he is going through, so there are certain points on history and
examination which should arise the suspicion in the mind of the health professional. These signs and
symptoms are mentioned in this article which are collected from various resources. Emergency medicine
department has an important role in screening of these victims, although all the departments contribute in
identifying the victims.
The article also mentions where India stands compared to its global counterparts in anti-trafficking measures.