A UNAIDS funded report, compiled by the University of New South Wales International HIV Research Group has found that the Fijian military are committing human rights violations against sex workers following the introduction of the country's new laws contained in the Crimes Decree. The report describes the various torture tactics used by military in Fiji to curtail the growing sex trade, which has been compared to that of Thailand. ‘Sex Workers and HIV Prevention in Fiji – after the Fiji Crimes Decree 2009' highlights the firsthand accounts of sex workers who have been abused by the military. Stories of sex workers being held in pig pens, made to roll in mud and forced to strip and take part in humiliating acts are among the military tactics used. The second largest city in Fiji, Lautoka has been cited as the most dangerous for sex workers. “The approach in Lautoka is characterized by round-ups and summary punishment of sex workers which includes sleep deprivation, humiliation and enforced physical labor,” says Co-Investigator, Karen McMillan. “While few sex workers, and no clients, have ended up in court, the military is taking harsh action against sex workers in the area.” McMillan said some sex workers were forced to wear a traffic cone on their head, stand on one leg and yell repeatedly, ‘I will never sell myself again'. Fiji's new Crimes Decree has introduced laws which heavily criminalize a wider range of offenses extending to the client as well as the sex workers. Due to fear of military tactics, there has been an adverse effect on wider public health by reducing sex workers freedoms. “Sex work has become increasingly isolated because of fear of arrest and the laws have resulted in a risk-averse response by NGOs and the closure of a crucial and highly effective sex worker outreach and condom distribution program,” says Associate Professor Worth. There are ongoing calls for Fiji's military government to put a stop to the human rights violations taking place at the hands of soldiers against sex workers and for the perpetrators to be dealt with through criminal courts. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/YL5Sm Tags: Fiji, Prostitution, Sex Workers, UNAIDS Section: Oceana, Women
