The Nigeria S£x Workers Association (NSWA) has appealed to the administration of President Bola Tinubu to protect its members nationwide from harassment and abuse.
NSWA in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Amaka Enemo, in Lagos on Tuesday, said recent reports indicate a disturbing rise in physical assaults, hara$$ment and extortion of s£x workers by both clients and law enforcement officials.
She urged the federal government and the law enforcement agencies to recognise the humanity of s£x workers and protect them from violence and abuse.
Enemo said s3x workers were not criminals, but individuals with rights, who deserved the protection of security agencies.
According to her, their absolute safety and well-being contribute to the overall health of communities and help to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
“Despite the critical role that s3x workers play in the economy and society, they continue to be subjected to systematic violence, discrimination and stigmatisation.
“This violence not only endangers the lives of s£x workers but also undermines their rights and dignity as human beings.
We deserve to work in safety and to live free from fear. It is time for our voices to be heard, and for our rights to be respected,” she said.
The association’s coordinator further urged law enforcement agencies to take prompt measures that would ensure their personnel carried out their duties professionally.
She listed such measures to include comprehensive training for officials, creating safe reporting mechanisms, and holding personnel accountable for acts of violence or discrimination against s£x workers.
Others are launching public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination against s£x workers, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted and that victims receive justice.
Enemo said the association had resolved to advocate for the rights and safety of s£x workers across the nation.
She urged stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and the public to work with the association to fight the injustice and indignity meted out to its members.
