Sex Work, HIV/Aids and Sexual Rights in Africa: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

This article examines the meaning of sex work and its types as practiced in Nigeria. It then considers the diverging views often expressed by feminist scholars with regard to sex work. It similarly examines the various approaches such as criminalisation, legalisation and decriminalisation, which have been adopted to sex work worldwide and in particular the approach in Nigeria. The article then suggests that based on the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and the fact that restrictive laws on sex work have often exposed sex workers to danger and human rights violations, Nigerian government should consider a liberal approach towards sex work. Such an approach should take into cognizance the well being and respect for the dignity of sex workers. Therefore, the article discusses the human rights issues - using the sexual rights lens - raised by sex work. In particular, the article highlights that certain human rights such as rights to privacy, dignity, equality and health recognized in international and national documents are very relevant in the context of sex work.

Keywords: Sex work, HIV/AIDS, Sexual Rights, Nigeria