Forced Child Begging in Senegal

What is it about?

This article serves as an exploratory analysis of the various forces that are contributing to the exploitation of one of Senegal's most vulnerable population : children. It explores the concept of forced child begging which confers situations under which young boys are forced into the cities of Senegal by parents who are under the assumption that their children are off to get a Qur'anic education under the patronage of a religious Leader. Instead some children end up in situations where they run the risk of being exploited through forced labor by spending hours on the streets begging for food or money they may not personally benefit from.

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Why is it important?

This is an important issue to highlight because Senegal has passed laws criminalizing trafficking but has been unable to enforce them. The lack of advocacy and government involvement in this issue has led to circumstances where children find themselves in conditions rife with abuse and negligence.