Ritual of Bacha Bazi in Afghanistan – Its Emergence and Expansion
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RESEARCH PROPOSAL I. INTRODUCTION:
Sexual exploitation in the form of trafficking boys for male pedophilic sexual abuse under the label of “boy-play” or bacha bazi is a common ritual in Afghanistan. The young boys are kidnapped or abducted from their families. They are frequently made to dress as females, wear cosmetics and dance at events organized by men. They are relied upon to take part in sexual acts with older men. They remain a man’s or group’s sexual subordinate for an extended period (Elton, 2013).
Thesis Question: What are the causes of emergence and expansion of a ritual “Bacha Bazi” (pederasty) in Afghanistan?
Thesis Statement: Factors which led to the emergence and expansion of Bacha Bazi in Afghanistan are: absence of implementation of law, corruption, vagueness and gaps in the law, violation of human rights, limited access to justice, illiteracy, poverty, domestic violence, and lack of awareness on the account of parents. II. LEGAL FACTORS: a. Lack of Rule of Law, Corruption, Ambiguity and Gaps in the Law b. Definition: Neglecting of laws and Afghan Constitution has played an immense role in the expansion of Bacha Bazi. This ritual has not been clearly defined in the Afghan laws. This action is a kind of sexual exploitation and abuse of children, therefore it is anticipated that the ritual is contrary to the Constitution of Afghanistan and other practiced laws in the country. There are groups which use their power and influence including security organs, to give cover to such illegal acts. Many perpetrators are in contact with these irresponsible armed groups.
In 2008, the Afghan government, in order to discourage human trafficking, created a law. Sadly, the only convictions were made against the victims for participating in an