Human rights violatoins against sex workers: Burden and effect on HIV

Author: Decker, Michele; Crago, Anna-Louise; Ka Hon Chu, Sandra; Sherman, Susan; Saraswathi Seshu, Meena; Buthelez, Kohli; Dhaliwal, Mandeep & Beyrer, Chris

Abstract: We reviewed evidence from over 800 studies and reports on the burden and HIV impact of human rights abuses against sex workers across policy climates. Published research documents widespread abuses of human rights perpetrated by both state and non-state actors. Such violations facilitate HIV vulnerability, both directly and indirectly, and undermine effective HIV prevention and intervention efforts. Violations include homicide, physical and sexual violence from law enforcement, clients and intimate partners, unlawful arrest and detention, discrimination in accessing health services, and forced HIV testing. Abuses occur across all policy regimes, though most profoundly so where sex work is criminalized through punitive law. Protection of sex workers’ human rights is critical to respect, protect and fulfill human rights, and to improve their health and wellbeing. Findings affirm the value of rights-based HIV responses for sex workers, and underscore the obligation of states to uphold the rights of this marginalized population.

Keywords: sex workers, human rights, HIV/AIDS, prevention, intervention, policy