Saturday, December 24 2005 17:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: Incidents of exploitation of children separated from their parents in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami nearly a year ago, have been reported, a UNICEF study said without naming any of the countries hit by the massive tidal waves.

Though measures were immediately adopted by international agencies and national governments to prevent widespread abuse, the study said that nonetheless, incidents of exploitation were reported, including a growth in the recruitment of child soldiers, after the tsunami hit the countries in the Indian Ocean.

"These incidents underline the increased vulnerability of children to exploitation when they are deprived of family protection."

Bringing the perpetrators to justice, it said, was one of the most pressing issues on the international agenda, but one that is not being given sufficient attention.

The study, published in 'The state of the World's Children 2006', said that children who were victims of exploitation, were arguably among the most invisible, as their abusers would prevent them from accessing services even if these were made available.