ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to undertake a critique of the social justice claims that emanate from the liberal notions of citizenship as articulated within the legislated rights of trafficked children. It argues that citizenship, both as a right and as a status, has been and continues to be used in the struggle for social justice claims, particularly by marginalized communities. The chapter analyzes the exclusions and oppressions that result from the normative and universal stance of the legislation relevant to defining the rights of sexually exploited and trafficked children. It discusses an alternative perspective of citizenship that is, anti-racist, feminist and transnational in orientation using a difference-centred analysis. The chapter explores the voices of sexually exploited and trafficked children in re-visioning their citizenship rights. It concludes by discussing the important lessons that are offered through a discussion of the citizenship rights of sexually exploited and trafficked children.
