Migrant worker’s right to health 2013, para. 58

Paragraph
Paragraph text
States have a responsibility to respect, protect and fulfil the enjoyment of the right to health of migrant sex workers, regardless of whether they have been trafficked or not. Migrant sex workers are a highly stigmatized population as sex or sex-related work may be criminalized in many countries. Occupational health hazards for sex workers include a disproportionate risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, violence and often rape. Criminalization perpetuates discrimination, stigma and violence towards sex workers and is a barrier to accessing health-care services, which leads to poorer health outcomes. When combined with xenophobia, criminalization may legitimize harassment, intimidation and violence against migrant sex workers, especially by law enforcement authorities, without mechanism for protection or redress. The nature of the occupation is also used to justify compulsory testing for HIV and other communicable diseases. Additionally, human traffickers may take advantage of the illegality of sex work and migration and exert undue influence and control over sex workers.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Health
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Persons on the move
Year
2013
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Health, Report to the HRC (2013), A/HRC/23/41, para. 58.
Paragraph number
58