title: Human rights violations against sex workers: burden and effect on HIV.
abstract: We reviewed evidence from more than 800 studies and reports on the burden and HIV implications of human rights violations against sex workers. Published research documents widespread abuses of human rights perpetrated by both state and non-state actors. Such violations directly and indirectly increase HIV susceptibility, and undermine effective HIV-prevention and intervention efforts. Violations include homicide; physical and sexual violence, from law enforcement, clients, and intimate partners; unlawful arrest and detention; discrimination in accessing health services; and forced HIV testing. Abuses occur across all policy regimes, although most profoundly where sex work is criminalised through punitive law. Protection of sex workers is essential to respect, protect, and meet their human rights, and to improve their health and wellbeing. Research findings affirm the value of rights-based HIV responses for sex workers, and underscore the obligation of states to uphold the rights of this marginalised population.
authors: Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. Electronic address: mdecker@jhu.edu.
authors: Michele R
authors: MR
authors: Decker
authors: Trudeau Scholar, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors: Anna-Louise
authors: AL
authors: Crago
authors: Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors: Sandra K H
authors: SK
authors: Chu
authors: Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors: Susan G
authors: SG
authors: Sherman
authors: Sampada Grameen Mahila Sanstha (SANGRAM), Sangli, India.
authors: Meena S
authors: MS
authors: Seshu
authors: Sisonke Sex Workers Movement, Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), Cape Town, South Africa.
authors: Kholi
authors: K
authors: Buthelezi
authors: Division of HIV, Health & Development Practice UNDP, New York, NY, USA.
authors: Mandeep
authors: M
authors: Dhaliwal
authors: Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Beyrer
mesh_terms: D017281:Cost of Illness; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006806:Human Rights; D045809:Human Rights Abuses; D006801:Humans; D060386:Sex Workers