sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation of those rendered vulnerable by poverty

Embrace Dignity, a non-profit organisation, asked Parliament to stop all forms of oppression against women, in particular, prostitution and sex trafficking, by setting up a multi-party parliamentary committee involving Justice, Police, Labour, Health, Social Development, Transport, Mineral Resources and Defence. The petition was considered by the Select Committee on Petitions and Executive Undertakings. Embrace Dignity steadfastly opposes sexual exploitation of those who are rendered powerless and vulnerable by poverty and absence of choice. It requested the legislature to investigate the legal options outlined in the SA Law Reform Commission's 2009 Discussion Paper on Adult Prostitution, by calling for further research and conducting public hearings. It also wants the SALRC final report on the matter to be released by the Minister of Justice, to enable stakeholders to deliberate on a legal framework. The Commission for Gender Equality was invited to comment on the petition. Firstly, it supported the call for the setting up of a joint committee to investigate the nature and extent of forced prostitution and trafficking and who was responsible for perpetuating this. Secondly, it asked for an enquiry on how or whether the SAPS and Department of Justice implements the relevant legislation for prosecution, and what support measures, programmes and resources are provided by the state to victims of forced prostitution and sex trafficking. Thirdly, the Commission called for the decriminalisation of sex workers and demanded that allegations of abuse by police against sex workers be investigated. It noted that despite progressive legislation, policies and international agreements promoting gender equality, the reality is that women still experienced gross violation of their rights. Members indicated their support for the release of the report and investigation into the roles of the South African Police Service and other bodies. Some supported the call to decriminalise sex workers but noted it is a contentious issue, particularly for religious leaders. They commented that there should be a united and inclusive approach and that the petition should be debated by other parliamentary committees.