Sex workers are a key affected population for HIV, and it is argued that criminalisation contributes to HIV risk. For others 'sex work' is a political term to mask the realities of prostitution as a clear illustration of patriarchal power and the abuse of women. In some countries sex work (or prostitution) is criminalised. In some only the buyer of sexual services is committing a crime (the so-called 'Swedish model'). In others, such as India, sex work itself is not illegal but other activities surrounding it are. What is the appropriate approach to sex work from a global health perspective?

Case Study Materials

India’s Supreme Court Recognizes Sex Work as a Profession https://thediplomat.com/2022/06/indias-supreme-court-recognizes-sex-work-as-a-profession/

Indian partners reflect on a year after sex workers’ human rights affirmed https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2023/october/20231005_india-sex-workers-human-rights

We are demanding full decriminalisation: Sex workers in India rally for labor rights

https://theworld.org/stories/2022/06/10/if-we-re-doing-willingly-how-can-it-be-wrong-asks-sex-worker-her-profession

India's sex work villages

Debate on Channel 4 News, UK (UK focus, but interesting ethical discussions)