Prostitution in Namibia

Prostitution in Namibia is illegal but a highly prevalent common practice.

Legalisation discussion

A number of prominent groups have called for the legalization or decriminalization of prostitution. In 2005, the Legal Assistance Centre, a Windhoek-based non-profit human rights organization, called for the decriminalization of prostitution as a means of cutting the country's high HIV-AIDS rate as well as a means for maintaining the human rights of the prostitute themselves.[1] Rights not Rescue, a sex workers organization is amongst those calling for decriminalisation. [2]

Many groups in Namibia actively oppose legalization and instead focus on providing skills to former sex workers. Some groups approach the issue from a religious perspective, arguing that Namibia's population is overwhelmingly Christian and therefore should not accept what they consider an immoral profession.[3]

Discussion in Parliament are usually controversioal. An outspoken proponent of the legalisation is Kazenambo Kazenambo, the current Minister of Youth.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Milton Louw - Making A Better World." : Legalise Prostitution in Namibia, 23 April 2012 <http://milton-louw.blogspot.com/2012/04/legalise-prostitution-in-namibia.html>
  2. ↑ Informanté: Legalize prostitution to combat AIDS: ‘Mama Africa’. Feb 1 2012
  3. ↑ KK widely condemned on prostitution remarks New Era, 4 October 2010
  4. ↑ Sasman, Catherine (23 April 2012). "KK renews call for prostitution to be legalised". The Namibian.

Sources