Comprehensive prevention strategies against sale and sexual exploitation of children 2013, para. 56
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Poverty is too often considered the primary cause of the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography. Poverty does have an impact on families and communities by creating stresses that weaken the family and social fabric and driving children away from their homes in search of better opportunities. However, poverty alone is not the sole driver of the sale and exploitation of children. Children in equally poor situations may not be at similar risk of exploitation. Research has shown that child victims of exploitation are typically from families experiencing high levels of poverty and single or persistent negative shocks, such as drought, loss of employment, death or the severe illness of a family member. The "poverty plus" approach underlines that poverty combined with other risk factors increases vulnerability.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material