**2. Human trafficking pandemic of the 21st century**

The unusual reality seems to be trapped against humanity but no one speaks about it as a global pandemic of the 21st century. Human trafficking is a growing social phenomenon that carries serious challenges in understanding its clandestine nature and the complexity of sexual exploitation. Human trafficking also referred

to as modern-day slavery is a gross violation of human rights and is an old practice found in all human societies. Historically, most of the victims of trafficking originated from Africa as far back as the era of the transatlantic slave trade during the 15th Century [1].

Today there is an assumption that slave ownership and trade is something of the past and only a matter of concern for historians, but unfortunately, slavery has not disappeared, it exists today in various forms, mainly behind closed doors. During a historical tour to the coastal part of Kenya, while researching on challenges of reintegration of victims of child sex trafficking, the tour guide narrated that the Arab slave caravan collided with African counterparts to capture and drive slaves from the interior before being brought to Shimoni slave caves, awaiting transportation. The conditions for slaves were considered to be extremely harsh and miserable. Our tour guide narrated that many died while being tortured or castrated [2].

Human trafficking has become transnational and affects every continent on the globe [3]. Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), states, "All human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights". Despite its persistence, human trafficking is a modern-day business that earns \$150 billion annually according to an ILO report. At the same time, 19% of victims are trafficked for sex, and sexual exploitation is 60% of the global profit of human trafficking. Globally 71% of human trafficking victims are women and girls and 29% are men and boys. Children are estimated to account for 29% of human trafficking [4]. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals aim to eradicate forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour (SDG Target 8.7).

Yet among this modern slavery is child trafficking crime affecting global society in low-income countries. Sex trafficking is a crime that is illegal in every country in the world, yet it takes place in every country worldwide. Sex trafficking is extremely prevalent and on the increase for women and girls but children make up the vast majority of victims, with sexual abuse deeply rooted in their innocence and lack of protection. A report by the International Society for the Prevention against Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) observed that Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is one of the major concerns throughout the world [5].
