The United Nations estimates that over 250,000 Southeast Asian children fall victims to transnational human trafficking each year, especially from the newer members of ASEAN, namely Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma.
A UNESCAP report says poverty and lack of education are two factors contributing to child trafficking. It says a Cambodian youth is sold to traffickers for an average price of only US$250.
ESCAP says there is no clear report on Laos' child trafficking problem but it believes the number of victims from Laos as well as the other new ASEAN members increases yearly.
Listen to our Laos in the News report for details about the problems of child trafficking in Laos and Cambodia.