World Day Against Child Labour 2003: Trafficking in children

Child trafficking is one of the worst forms of child labour. Although no precise figures exist, an estimated 1.2 million children - both boys and girls - are trafficked each year into exploitative work in agriculture, mining, factories, armed conflict or commercial sex work.

This terrible form of child exploitation is the focus of growing global concern. On 12 June 2003, the second World Day Against Child Labour, the ILO will focus attention on trafficking in children - everywhere it occurs and in whatever form - to prevent and stop the practice.

It's high time to act. Left unchecked, the number of children trafficked may rise.