Geneva: On International Sex Worker’s Day 2024, UNAIDS stands for intersecting forms of structural and societal stigma as well as discrimination against sex workers globally. This includes punitive laws, policies, and practices, and preventing sex workers from being able to protect their health, safety, and well-being.
Among countries reporting to UNAID, it has been found that 22% of sex workers have experienced stigmas and discrimination in the past six months and one in every five sex workers experienced violence in the past 12 months.
While looking at the exact numbers of sex workers is difficult in India, however, the government data suggests over 8 lakh sex workers exist in India (NACO). The figure is 3 million according to unofficial sources.
It is a paradoxical situation in India for sex workers. While sex work is not illegal in India, brothels and pimping and others are. This creates a precarious situation as they face violence, stigma, limited access to healthcare and more. It is crucial to include them in public health initiatives as they stand at high risk of contracting and transmitting HIV/AIDS.
In an effort to improve their lives, Supreme Court in 20222, recognized sex work as a profession, aiming to ensure their dignity and safety. Worldwide, 168 countries have punitive laws that criminalize some aspect of sex work. Queensland became the latest to decriminalize sex work. However, a growing number of jurisdictions are recognising the need to decriminalize sex work.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates