We are not criminals, commercial sex workers lament

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The Nigerian Sex Workers Association(NSEWA) has urged law enforcement agencies to recognize the humanity of Sex workers and protect them from avoidable violence, constant abuse, and harassment by security operations.
This was contained in a statement made by the national coordinator of NSEWA, Amaka Enemo, and released to the media in Kaduna today.
The statement stated that Sex workers are not criminals but individuals with rights who deserve the protection of security agencies and the citizens at large.
According to her, Sex workers play a very critical role in the economy and society, yet they continue to be subjected to systematic violence, discrimination, and stigmatization, thereby undermining their rights and dignity.
Enemo maintained that 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.
“Therefore, we deserve to work in safety, and so our jobs freely . It is time for our voices to be heard and for our rights to be respected”.
The coordinator further, pleaded with law enforcement agencies to take prompt measures and action to ensure their members carried out their duties professionally.
Saying, these measures should include comprehensive training for officials, creating safe reporting mechanisms, and holding personnel accountable for acts of violence or discrimination against Sex workers.
“Others are launching public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination against sex workers, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted and victims receive justice.”