CGE finalises its investigation on the violation of human rights and harassment of sex workers by the South African Police Services
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has concluded its investigation into complaints received from two sex workers against the South African Police Services (SAPS) regarding constant harassment and gross violation of their human rights. The CGE conducted an in-depth investigation which included sourcing information from both parties to the complaint.
The findings of the investigation support the rationale behind the CGE’s formal position advocating for decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa. Specifically, that South African Police Services are utilising municipal by-laws to unlawfully arrest and detain sex workers. Accordingly, the CGE shall utilise the findings of the specific complaint to bolster the rationale for its formal position concerning the legality of sex work. This is pressing given the stance of the South African Law Reform Commission (SARLC) and the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services which supports the criminality approach to the sex work trade.
In the current antagonist legal framework, the CGE is limited in its ambit to provide solution to the current violation of sex workers rights. Albeit, CGE has recommended SAPS convene sex work sensitisation workshops with the assistance from NGO’s to train its Station Commanders on the rights of sex workers and to refrain from human rights violations. Moreover, the National Commissioner of SAPS to instruct all members to immediately cease in arresting or following outreach workers for carrying out their work and to cease the harassment of outreach workers. This also extends to the confiscation of condoms from sex workers.
The CGE calls upon all South Africans to participate in the demand for decriminalisation of sex work by signing the SWEAT’s online petition : -
https://awethu.amandla.mobi/petitions/send-submission-to-decriminalise-sex-work
Make your voice heard!
Enquries:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
