The landscape for adolescent exploitation in Asia in 2021 was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which reversed decades of progress in child protection. In 2021, global child labor rose to 160 million—the first increase in 20 years—with the pandemic putting millions more at risk, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Key Drivers of Exploitation in 2021
Forced labor: Teenagers are also exploited through forced labor, being made to work long hours in hazardous conditions without proper compensation. This is prevalent in various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and domestic work. exploited teens asia 2021
Governments, NGOs, and international organizations are working together to combat the exploitation of teenagers in Asia. Some initiatives include: The landscape for adolescent exploitation in Asia in
East Asia: China, with its massive population, faces challenges related to forced labor and the sexual exploitation of minors. The government's efforts to strengthen laws and enforcement have shown some positive impacts. The government's efforts to strengthen laws and enforcement
The Alarming Reality of Exploited Teens in Asia: A 2021 Perspective
Cross-Border Trafficking: In Southeast Asia, children from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia were frequently subjected to commercial sexual exploitation in Thai massage parlors, bars, and karaoke lounges.
Education Gaps: Prolonged school closures and the digital divide left millions of children—particularly in South and Southeast Asia—without a safety net, increasing the risk of child labor and trafficking.