Sex workers exploited in Botswana-UN

Staff Writer | Monday November 4, 2013 17:46

 

Botswana must report to the committee in February 2014 over the exploitation of prostitutes in the country and the lack of information about the extent of human trafficking in women, and measures taken to address the issue.  In its report to Botswana, which is only being addressed this week by the Department of Gender through a consultative workshop held at Boipuso Hall, the UN committee requests government to carry out a study in order to assess the prevalence of trafficking in women and girls in the country, and to include in its next periodic report a comprehensive assessment of the extent of trafficking and its root causes, including legislation on trafficking.

The UN committee also requests Botswana to include in its next report sex-disaggregated data and information on the exploitation of prostitutes. The UN is also  putting pressure on Botswana government to put in place support programme geared at removing women from prostitution by providing means of support such as education and economic alternatives.

The committee also calls on Botswana to take appropriate measures to suppress the exploitation of women, including through the discouragement of the demand for prostitution. Botswana has also been asked to report at the next UN meeting on the measures it has taken to combat prostitution.