COMBATING CHILD TRAFFICKING: IS THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (CRC) AND EXISTING LAWS IN MALAYSIA ADEQUATE?

Abstract

This article is a study on human trafficking, which is the second most lucrative and profitable transnational organized crime in the world after drug trafficking. This crime is also known as a form of modern slavery, where humans are used as commodities to generate profit, and victims are prevented from accessing their fundamental rights. The victims of this crime are women, men, and children; however, the repercussions are far more serious when involving children. Human trafficking devastates the prospects of the future generation, where children are often forced into sexual exploitation, forced labour, illegal adoption and child marriage. In addition, such crime not only impacts the social, politic, economic and national security of a country but is also a grave violation of the child victims’ human rights. The main objective of the present article is to address the adequacy of Malaysian law in dealing with child trafficking and to see whether it is in line with international standards. The study suggests that many gaps exist in the current legislation dealing with human trafficking. These gaps need to be addressed especially those dealing with child trafficking. A qualitative approach was utilized in this study, where it involved library research to analyze the protection given by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the extent of its implementation into domestic legislation, in order to combat child trafficking in Malaysia. This study found that Malaysia’s existing laws are inadequate to protect child victims of trafficking in Malaysia and need to meet the current standards and protection for victims, which include the identification of identity, appointment of a guardian, providing interim care protection, durable solution, and access to justice.