Prostitution in Africa
Prostitution is illegal in most African countries. Nevertheless, it is common, driven by the widespread poverty in many African countries, and is one of the drivers for the prevalence of AIDS in Africa.
Kamerun
Prostitution in Cameroon is illegal but attracts sex tourism from the west especially for child prostitution. The Cameroonian government has attempted to stop this trade by agreeing to multi-laterial agreements such as charters against sex tourism, like signing up with the Universal Federation of Travels Agents Associations (UFTAA).[1]
Côte d'Ivoire
In Côte d'Ivoire prostitution itself (exchanging sex for money) is legal, but associated activities such as soliciting, pandering or running brothels are illegal.[2] The civil war has left many women in need for wages, so some have resorted to prostitution, as there is high unemployment.[3]
Äthiopien
Prostitution in Ethiopia is legal, but procuring (operating brothels, benefiting from prostitution, etc.) is illegal according to Article 634 of the Ethiopian Penal Code, as revised May 2005.[4] Many feel it has contributed to the increased incidence of AIDS.[5]
Liberia
Prostitution is illegal.[6] Like its neighbor, Sierra Leone, child prostitution has seen an increase in the aftermath of a civil war.
Marokko
Prostitution is illegal.[7] Morocco is a one of the premier destinations for child sex tourism in Africa.[8] The country is considered a tier 2.[9] Many children are vulnerable as adoption laws in Morocco are very rigid and difficult which is made worse if the child is female due to the preference for boys. Due to Morocco increasing reputation for attracting foreign pedophiles Morocco has signed various international treaties to deal with the problem.[10][11][12] Male prostitution is known but that as stigmatised.[13]
Nigeria
Prostitution in Nigeria is illegal. It is mainly confined to major cities such as Lagos. Nigeria is a major exporter of prostitutes to European destinations.[14][15]
Senegal
Prostitution in Senegal is legal but the prostitutes must be 21 years of age or over and must regularly attend centers administered by the Ministry of Health for checkups, education, and medical treatment.[16] Some critics contend this is the reason why Senegal has a relatively low AIDS infection rate in comparison with many African countries.[17][18]
Simbabwe
Prostitution in Zimbabwe is illegal[19][20] but since the increase of famine in the country prostitution has thrived.[21][22]
References
- ^ Cameroon
- ^ [1]
- ^ Cote d'Ivoire
- ^ "2008 Human Rights Reports: Ethiopia - Section 5 Discrimination, Societal Abuses, and Trafficking in Persons", United States Department of State website (accessed 26 May 2009)
- ^ Kathleen Griffin, "Ethiopia - HIV/AIDS", Canadian Community Newspapers Association (accessed 26 May 2009)
- ^ Liberia
- ^ Morocco
- ^ 1. Background
- ^ IV. Country Narratives: Near East
- ^ New report addresses causes of sex tourism in Morocco (Magharebia.com)
- ^ "Morocco Clamps Down On Sex Tourism". Archived from the original on 2007-09-19.
- ^ streetlife|BBC World Service
- ^ Study of the characteristics of male prostitution in Morocco and development of appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention strategies
- ^ The lost children of Nigeria's sex trade at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article1055750.ece?token=null&offset=12 accessdate = 03/13/09
- ^ Nigeria
- ^ Senegal
- ^ Boston.com / News / Special reports / Lives Lost / Senegal
- ^ Sex Workers Promote AIDS Awareness in Senegal - Population Reference Bureau
- ^ Zimbabwe
- ^ http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/CsaZimbabwe.pdf
- ^ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3624252.ece
- ^ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3621423.ece