Promoting the welfare, protection and care of victims of child trafficking during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on victims of child trafficking. It highlights findings from research on other pandemics and outbreaks, the impact of child trafficking on children, the impact of COVID-19 on children and the impact of COVID-19 on victims of child trafficking. Design/methodology/approach This paper focuses on the global impact of COVID-19 on victims of child trafficking. It highlights findings from research on other pandemics, the impact of child trafficking on children, the impact of COVID-19 on children and the impact of COVID-19 on victims of child trafficking. The findings provide a useful framework to guide the development of social policies to address this global crisis and to empower social workers and allied professionals to implement effective service responses. This is a crucial time for the entire world to diminish the impact of COVID-19, address this unprecedented crisis and uphold the human rights of all children. Findings These findings provide a useful framework to guide the development of social policies to address this global pandemic and to support social workers and allied professionals to implement effective service responses. Originality/value The author proposes three basic action items: commit to the promises made in international and regional mandates and guidelines; address the risk and vulnerability factors that have been identified; and implement the promising prevention activities described in the literature.