Child trafficking poses a threatening challenge [Archives:2005/854/Local News]

HAJJAH- Friday June 24, Security sources confirmed that they thwarted attempts of trafficking children outside the Yemeni borders. Two persons have been arrested while attempting to traffic children between 9-12 years into neighboring countries.

The security sources confirmed 5 children were taken to the Temporary Social Protection Childhood Center that was established lately in Haradh.

Hajjah tops the list of Yemeni governorates in terms of trafficking children into Saudi Arabia.

The phenomenon got exacerbated over the last few years due to severe poverty compelling families to accept their children to be laborers in Saudi Arabia to add to their incomes. Besides, dropping school gives traffickers a chance to exploit children and smuggle them into Saudi Arabia.

NGOs interested in child protection warned of several threats and risks that children are exposed to, while pursuing works that does not fit their age. It was stated that some children have been subjected to sexual abuse at work.
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