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Abstract
Of late, sexual exploitation of minors has become a raging issue for several nations across the world. Our neighbouring South Asian country Afghanistan sees a disturbingly high incidence of sexual exploitation cases, of which the practice titled Bacha Bazi has drawn widespread attention and criticism from all quarters. In this practice of Bacha Bazi, young boys are made to dress up in feminine clothes and make up, sexualized and subsequently, in a lot of cases, forced into the flesh trade. Prostitution and slavery of these young boys has become rampant. In this paper, the reasons for sexual exploitation of minors have been traced upon generally, and the resurgence of the practice of Bacha Bazi in Afghanistan in particular. Taliban?s role in abolishing Bacha Bazi has been detailed, as has lawlessness post-Taliban rule been described, which became a major reason for the blooming of this depraved practice. The role of the taboo of homosexuality in conservative Afghanistan in the flourishing of Bacha Bazi has been discussed. Finally, the lack of willingness of the international community to fight against Bacha Bazi has been touched upon, and suggestions for the elimination of this depraved practice have been provided. However, it has been admitted by noted human rights scholars that such a practice is very difficult to abolish in practical life, even as it threatens to challenge the very basic foundation of human rights and civilization in the 21st century.
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References
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NOVUM JUS • ISSN: 1692-6013 • E-ISSN: 2500-8692 • Volumen 13 No. 2 • Julio - Diciembre 2019 • Págs. 41-55Why the Issue of Bacha Bazi Deserves International Attention
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