This paper analyses child trafficking and slavery in relation to media coverage of West African children, international law and academic research within geography and development studies. The meaning and practice of child trafficking is examined in the context of related debates about child labour, exploitation and uneven development. The analysis highlights key differences between trafficking and slavery, thereby illuminating the varying forms of exploitation at work in different relations of power. © Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) 2005.

Exploitation Uneven development Slavery Trafficking

Africa Sub-Saharan Africa child labor Child Development West Africa child care exploitation