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The legal framework of sex work and its interface with HIV: barriers for a sustainable response to HIV programming in Ba

The legal framework of sex work and its interface with HIV: barriers for a sustainable response to HIV programming in Bangladesh Simon Rasin MD, MPH , PhD HIV/AIDS Sector Save the Children. Only Rights can Stop the Wrongs !.

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The legal framework of sex work and its interface with HIV: barriers for a sustainable response to HIV programming in Ba

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  1. The legal framework of sex work and its interface with HIV: barriers for a sustainable response to HIV programming in Bangladesh Simon Rasin MD, MPH, PhD HIV/AIDS Sector Save the Children Only Rights can Stop theWrongs! Tony Michael Gomes, Senior Manager, Advocacy HIV AIDS Sector Save the Children in Bangladesh

  2. Background • The first National Congress of Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Bangladesh: • Over a thousand FSWs from 29 FSWs networks participated in the conference organized by Save the Children and partner agencies • Delegates discussed legal and policy issues related to commercial sex services • This first in history conference allowed FSWs to share experiences and analyze legal aspects influencing commercial sex in Bangladesh

  3. Current Situation • FSWs are in a very weak position to negotiate with clients for services using condoms • Bangladesh to Anti- Prostitution Law FSWs cannot provide services together which diminishes their ability to resist abuse, harassment and unsafe sex practices • Police and Municipality legislation leads to fear of arrest and imprisonment, limiting community outreach • FSWs have to hide their identities, cannot form a functional trade unions - which could protect their rights and allow them to have access to existing health and other services, like in other professions

  4. Result • Police places FSW peer educators under arrest, claiming carrying condoms as ‘promoting’, ‘soliciting’ and ‘providing’ sex services • Brothel raids by police interrupt HIV prevention services • FSWs do not have routine access to government health services • Violence against sex workers spreads far beyond individual incidents and factually is gender based violence • FSW community does not have understanding of their legal rights in Bangladesh and do not seek legal assistance

  5. Recommendations from 1000 Voices • HIV AIDS program must be formally merged with other health programs • Legal reform should focus on de-criminalization and de-marginalization should be the focus of HIV AIDS advocacy to change the Common Law (Anti-Prostitution Law) • Maternal and Child Health Services have to focus more on specific issues of FSWs, with government and NGO partners collaboration • Behavioral Change Campaigns must aim at changing the community perception of FSWs and acceptance of FSW in mainstream society • Access to legal services should be strengthened by further legal education in the FSW communities

  6. Thank You!Questions?

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