Groups Meet to Improve Access to Health and Human Rights for East African Sex Workers

KAMPALA—Health and human rights groups from across Kenya and Uganda announced today that they have successfully concluded a three-day workshop addressing the health risks and abuses faced by sex workers in the region. The groups say that sex workers are vulnerable to a wide range of human rights abuses, often as a result of government practices, which hinder their access to appropriate and quality health services.

The meeting brought 35 activists and experts from allied groups to Kenya to discuss an evidence-based approach to health and human rights. The meeting was organized by Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) in partnership with the Open Society Initiative for East Africa (OSIEA) and the Open Society Institute's Sexual Health and Rights Project (SHARP).

"It's time for dialogue and action on the violation of sex workers' rights," said Solome Nakaweesi Kimbugwe, Executive Director of AMwA. "Why are sex workers denied the rights that everyone else is enjoying? Too often people with the least power and awareness of human rights are most vulnerable to HIV and other abuses."

In East Africa, sex workers encounter high levels of physical violence, including rape, from police and clients. They are also subject to extortion and demands for bribes and sexual favors. Government agencies regularly refuse to help sex workers who have been abused or whose rights have been violated. These abuses, coupled with discrimination from society in general, frequently force sex workers into hiding, effectively blocking their access to the most basic health, justice, and social care services.

The objective of the meeting was to discuss the difficult environment sex workers face in East Africa, and to share information regarding access to rights and safety. Such discussions are critical to reduce risk for sexually transmitted diseases and to improve overall health and well-being.

"What sex workers in East Africa need is protection, not condemnation," said Anne Gathumbi of OSIEA.

The groups pointed to the strong objections lodged by some Ugandan government officials against this meeting as an example of the widespread lack of knowledge of international human rights standards. Such objections also belie the policy commitments that governments have made to respect human rights.

Media Contacts

Solome Nakaweesi-Kimbugwe
Akina Mama wa Afrika
solome@amwa-ea.org