Residents took to the streets against the alleged molestation and murder of a child in northwestern Faryab province, officials said on Friday.

No doubt, one of the most cruel and inhuman practices in North, East and east-western provinces of the country is “playboy” which is known as Bacha Bazi. Small boys are controlled by warlords or influential people by force or through payment to their families. They initially receive training on how to dance and show girlish or erotic behaviors. After getting skilled, they are made to dance in private parties and ceremonies like wedding parties.

Though these boys are raped yet the government has not held any major step to control such evil practices. There are hundreds of videos and films of Bacha Bazi circulating in local markets and music centers and they have large customers too. Though it is obvious that most of those boys are forced to dance or satisfy the sexual desire of the person who pays them and their families, yet justice is not exercised.

Such criminals unconcerned of persecution is that many families and victims also do not dare to or are not willing to report to concerned departments due to fear. Therefore, such cases which are deemed as stigma for victims or their families are tried to remain undisclosed.

Seemingly, along with this hidden barbaric practice, reports denote on increasing level of rape and sexual harassments in the country.

However, it is not clear whether sexual harassments have increased or, due to media development, come into light. Because it is highly possible that such practices existed before at the same level as today but remained secret due to reasons. What is certain that reports unveil a high number of rape and sexual harassments of both girls and boys.  Even if justice is exercised, victims may not be able to recover and have a normal life. The social and psychological effects of sexual offenses will last long and affect their personal and public life.  Thus, government should be more decisive and bring offenders to justice in order to protect children of sexual misuse.