A Critical Review of Child Trafficking, Street-Based Exploitation, and Special Education in the Indian Context

Abstract

Child trafficking is a serious violation of children’s rights and a huge social challenge in India remains. Although poverty, migration, exploitation of workers and gender inequality are widely identified as reasons for trafficking, children with disabilities and special weaknesses have been given comparatively less and sustained attention. Many children with disabilities face social exclusion, limited access to education, barriers in conversation and weak security systems; all these things increase the risk of their exploitation, neglect and abuse. This paper explores the relations between child trafficking, on-streets exploitation and special education in India. It considers the status of begging, selling goods on traffic signals and other types of work for children on the roads. It argues that though not every such child is a victim of trafficking, these situations often indicate deep problems like poverty, educational exclusion, family weakness and inadequate social security. Children with disabilities are shown at a greater risk because dependence, social stigma and limited educational opportunities can be intentionally exploited to and often done. From a view of structural violence, social exclusion, ability attitudes and child rights, this paper argues that an integrated response is needed by incorporating education, rehabilitation, differently abled and combining community participation in India to deal with child trafficking. The paper reaches the conclusion that strengthening inclusive and special education systems is not a minor welfare remedy, but a main foundation for trafficking prevention.