Africa: Thousands of African Child Migrants Feared in Thrall to Italian Traffickers

Rome — Thousands of migrant children are disappearing after arriving in mainland Europe, triggering concerns that they are falling prey to a new and thriving market for child trafficking and forced labour.

Of some 12,164 unaccompanied minors who arrived in Italy from north Africa this year, about one-third have vanished from foster homes and government shelters (pdf), with the authorities warning they are likely to face sexual and labour exploitation if left unprotected.

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