Summary
What does "Bacha Bazi" translate to directly?
Boy Play
Name 2 of the articles that was violated in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
1. Right to Life, Liberty, and Security
2. Freedom from Slavery
3. Freedom from Torture or Cruel Treatment
4. Right to an Adequate Standard of Living
Who are the victims of Bacha Bazi
The young boys
Where and when did the practice derive from?
Central Asia, centuries ago
Name the three call to action plans discussed.
1. Rehabilitation
2. Education and awareness
3. Support and laws
What were the age range of the boys that participated in the practice?
10-18 years old
List ALL types of abuse that the young boys faced during and after these practices.
Physical, mental, and sexual abuse
Who are the majority and minority groups involved?
The majority group includes powerful men like warlords, police officers, and community leaders who keep the practice alive. The minority group is the poor boys and orphans who are exploited and have no power to stop it.
Why did the practice resurface?
It was because the Taliban were overthrown, and the warlords and military took over the country.
What are some issues that the boys can possible face after the practice?
Lifelong trauma, depression, suicide thinking, self-worth problems, and/or isolation. (name at least 2 for points)
What is the Bacha Bazi?
Young boys dressing up in womens clothing to dance at wealthy men's parties.
How were the boys who were taken off the streets manipulated into participating in the practice?
They were manipulated into believing that it was a better life than the previous one they were living. They were promised money, food, and homes in exchange for dancing, but were not always told the full truth.
What is the main conflict between the majority and minority?
The conflict is between the majority’s wish to keep their cultural traditions and the minority’s right to safety and respect. The majority uses culture as an excuse to continue abuse.
When did the criminalization, in the penal code, occur? What year?
2018
How old was the boy in the video, the one who was dancing for the men?
15 years old
Who are the main culprits of Bacha Bazi?
Military and police commanders.
If the UN says slavery and child abuse are illegal, why does Bacha Bazi still happen — and what should democratic countries do about it?
Due to laws not being enforced and corruption allows it to continue. Poverty and fear also make it hard for victims to speak up. Democratic countries should take action by spreading awareness, supporting education and child protection programs, and pushing for stronger laws to protect children. Working together can help stop this abuse.
What laws exist against Bacha Bazi and what is the punishment in Afghanistan ?
Afghanistan’s 2018 Penal Code made Bacha Bazi illegal, with punishments of up to 15 years in prison for those involved.
What year had the highest amount of cases of Bacha Bazi?
2020
How can we go about changing laws and enforcing protections through the call to action plan?
We can create protests and campaigns, as well as bring the media together to pressure the government into interfering and getting involved.
How were these boys obtained?
They were either taken off the streets, and promised a better life, or sold by their families.
Should countries that believe in human rights step in to stop things like Bacha Bazi, or would that be interfering with another country’s culture and government?
Yes, countries that believe in human rights should step in to stop Bacha Bazi. Abuse and slavery can never be excused by culture or tradition. Every child deserves safety and freedom, no matter where they live. Democratic nations should take a stand, speak out, and provide help or pressure to end these human rights violations.
What are the excuses, that we listed, that people the Afghan men argue for practicing Bacha Bazi
"It is apart of our culture"
Name the three places in Afghanistan where the Bacha Bazi practice is more common in
Kunduz, Takhar, and Baghlan are hotspots
How is inadequate living shown?
The Bacha Bazi are not living in conditions that cause potential harm and are constantly facing abuse. They recover the proper food, housing, or care that the UN states they should, as well as their dignity being stripped.