This chapter examines the concept of child/forced marriages in the context of human trafficking for labor and sex. Empirical evidence suggests that most of the marriages that end up as forced marriages and may fall within the definition of human trafficking enterprise often begin as child marriages-where one (or both) of the partners (generally the female) is underage. It examines child/forced/servile marriages to determine whether such marriages fall within the definitions and measures set by the key treaties forming the international legal framework on human trafficking and slavery and whether they measure up to the confines set by the 1926 Slavery Convention and cover the subjection of individuals to force, coercion, control, ownership, and/or exploitation. Next the chapter discusses the dynamics of forced marriages which in essence are imbedded in the social fabric ofmany cultures. Then the chapter discusses how these cultural, economic, and structural factors facilitate perpetuation of such practices despite local and international laws prohibiting it. The chapter concludes with suggestions for controlling and preventing these practices.
