Child slavery is a contemporary global problem existing since ancient times. The concept of slavery and practices similar to it are defined in a range of international instruments. Children are particularly vulnerable to slavery-like practices, and their special plight is addressed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC-in particular Art 32 on the right to be protected from economic exploitation) and the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). Furthermore, the Palermo Protocol on human trafficking (of 2000) provides important tools to help shape legislative policy against another form of slavery, namely the trafficking of adults and children.