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Sex work is still illegal in democratic South Africa

Sex work in South Africa: A history of ineffective laws

Sex workers were seen as a source of disease, then as enabling interracial relations. Sex work is still illegal in democratic South Africa

If sex work continues to be criminalised, sex workers will continue to be forced to work in unsafe, abusive and dangerous conditions. Photo: David Harrison

Defending a prostituted person’s dignity starts with saying ‘no’ to full decriminalisation

Re-opening of South Africa’s prostitution law reform debate makes the mistake of assuming it is work and not exploitation.

Aside from the economic benefits, urgent decriminalisation is needed to ensure constitutional rights of the country’s estimated 153 000 sex workers. (John McCann/M&G)

Ten reasons why South Africa must decriminalise sex work

Aside from the economic benefits, urgent decriminalisation is needed to ensure constitutional rights of the country’s estimated 153 000 sex workers

Sex workers in South Africa want their profession decriminalised

Are sex workers forced into their jobs?

Sex workers in South Africa want their profession decriminalised, a view supported by many medical professionals and civil society organisations.

Sex workers in the country want their profession to be decriminalised so that they can access health services without being discriminated against.

Sex workers: ‘We want to own our own brothels’

Sex workers in the country want their profession to be decriminalised so that they can access health services without being discriminated against.

UK sex workers’ rights case collapses after five years

After having their brothel raided in 2011, three women planned to argue for the right of sex workers to work together in safety.

When courts dismiss violence on the basis of occupation, the message is clear: sex workers’ lives matter less.

Letters to the editor: December 6 2013

Readers slam assaults on sex workers and accuse the Mail & Guardian of putting public protector Thuli Madonsela in danger.

The Global Slavery Index report estimates that there are at least 29.8-million people living in slavery.

A powerful weapon in the fight against modern slavery

The Global Slavery Index will help shape national and global efforts to root out modern slavery in Africa and across the world, writes Nick Grono.

Japan: Mayor sparks outrage for justifying WW2 ‘comfort women’

China has expressed outrage over remarks by the mayor of Osaka who said Japan’s system of military brothels during World War II was "necessary".

Brazil’s prostitutes learn English ahead of World Cup

As Brazil prepares for the 2014 World Cup and Confederation Cup in June, its Association of Prostitutes has been teaching sex workers English.

When courts dismiss violence on the basis of occupation, the message is clear: sex workers’ lives matter less.

Scourge of violence against transgender sex workers in Cote d’Ivoire

Transgender sex workers in the Cote d’Ivoire have increasingly become the target of violence since President Alassane Ouattara came into power.

A window on their world: The Fokkens sisters have almost 100 years of experience in prostitution between them.

Prostitution a Fokkens nightmare

Life has not been kind to the ‘oldest window girls in Amsterdam’, but the 70-year-old twins are enjoying their celebrity status.

Prostitution scandal dogs Obama trip

Prostitution scandal dogs Obama trip

President Barack Obama says he will be "angry" if claims that his security staff hired prostitutes at a key political summit in Colombia prove true.

Maldives denies luxury spas are fronting prostitution

Maldives denies luxury spas are fronting prostitution

Tourism officials in the Maldives have denied that health spas at luxury holiday resorts operate as brothels after the facilities were shut down.

Desperate British women turn to prostitution

British students, faced with government austerity measures, are turning to prostitution, gambling and other dangerous pursuits to fund their studies.

In conservative Botswana, a push to legalise prostitution

Botswana is looking to legalise prostitution in the conservative country in a bid to bring down one of the world’s highest HIV rates.

Prostitutes in Colombia unite against child abuse

Colombia prostitutes have united in a popular tourist destination to protect children from an international network of pimps and sexual predators.

Berlusconi rejects ‘shocking’ sex accusations

Berlusconi rejects ‘shocking’ sex accusations

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has rejected "shocking accusations" from an inquiry linking him to a alleged prostitution ring.

Italy’s Berlusconi in probe over teenage nightclub dancer

Italy’s prime minister faces a prostitution investigation in Milan over a teenage nightclub dancer who attended parties at his private residence.

French footballers arrested in prostitution probe

France international footballers Frank Ribery and Karim Benzema were charged with having had sex with an under-age prostitute on Tuesday.