Unacceptable forms of exploitation of children, such as slavery, debt bondage, trafficking, sexual exploitation, exist and persist yet they are particularly difficult to research due to their hidden or illegal nature. Therefore there are several gaps in understanding the variety of forms and conditions in which children work. Therefore the ILO, through IPEC/SIMPOC, has carried out 38 rapid assessments of the worst forms of child labour in 19 countries and one border area. One such area identified is the commercial sexual exploitation of children which has now been recognised as a modern form of slavery; where children have become victims in the walk towards a global society, and have been turned into sex objects to meet the demands of adults, both local and foreign. The commercial exploitation of children is fast becoming a global, multibillion dollar industry. The adverse effects this has on the exploited children are profound and permanent, while their self esteem and dignity are seriously undermined. Hence, the ILO-IPEC commitment to researching this issue is timely and significant.