Child Trafficking and Recruitment in Armed Conflicts: Exploring the Worst Forms of Child Labour from a Colombian Perspective

Izabela Zonato Villas Boas (), Milena Libralon Kosaki Ponchio and Gianpaolo Poggio Smanio
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Izabela Zonato Villas Boas: Political and Economic Law at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo 01302-907, Brazil
Milena Libralon Kosaki Ponchio: Political and Economic Law at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo 01302-907, Brazil
Gianpaolo Poggio Smanio: Political and Economic Law at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo 01302-907, Brazil

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-24

Abstract: This article examines the relationship between human trafficking and the recruitment of children in armed conflicts, with a focus on Colombia as a case study representative of Latin America. Drawing on global data from the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons and local reports, the study highlights the convergence of “child trafficking” and “child recruitment” in conflict regions, framing these practices as severe violations of children’s rights and some of the worst forms of child labour. Employing an inductive method and documentary analysis, the research identifies key socioeconomic and political drivers of these practices in Colombia, emphasising their broader impact on Latin American society. The findings underscore the need for integrated international and local efforts to address the vulnerabilities of children in conflict settings and propose strategies for mitigation.

Keywords: armed conflicts; child recruitment; Colombia; exploitation; human trafficking; worst forms of child labour (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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