Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka signed the conventions at a time when sexual exploitation is on the increase in South Asia. The rise is due to poverty, deeply-rooted social and gender discrimination, weak legislation, and spotty enforcement.

"It is now time to act," Kul Gautam, Unicef Deputy Executive Director said. "Now that every leader has signed these conventions, community groups and the media must be vigilant in holding governments accountable. Perpetrators must be challenged and their impunity stopped."

The leaders of the South Asian countries were congratulated by Unicef Executive Director, Carol Bellamy for their efforts and welcomed for their commitment at a time when they were grappling with war and terrorism. These efforts come as a result of the Yokohama Global Commitment at the Second World Congress against the Commercial Exploitation of Children held in Japan from December 17 to 20.

At the Congress, youth representatives talked about sexual exploitation problems in their regions. A common myth that having sex with virgins or babies would cure HIV/AIDS has exacerbated the spread of the disease, according to representatives from South Asia and Africa. Poor sexual education has traditionally been a primary cause of HIV/AIDS proliferation in developing countries.

Most South Asian countries already have detailed national plans of action to combat sexual trafficking, but have failed to have thorough follow-ups on the implementation of these plans according to Unicef.