SANAC Civil Society Forum has been calling for the urgent and unconditional decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa to facilitate safe and dignified working conditions for sex workers. As a result of our advocacy efforts the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill of 2022, which seeks to decriminalise sex work, has been published and is now open for public comment. We are calling on all Civil Society to make as many bold submissions as possible to win this battle. Decriminalisation will minimise human rights violations against sex workers. It would also mean better access to health care and reproductive health services for sex workers, as well as compliance with health and safety and labour legislation. It would also afford better protection for sex workers, better working conditions and less discrimination and stigma. Azikhale ke Comrades!
The stakes are high; opposition is up in arms against decriminalisation! See below articles!
Deadline for comments is 31 January 2023
Submit comments to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Chief Directorate: Legislative Development in the following ways:
POST: For the attention of Tsietsi Sebelemetja
The Director-General: Justice and Constitutional Development,
Private Bag X 81,
Pretoria,
0001.
EMAIL: Bills1@justice.gov.za.
FAX: 012 406 4632
Guidance for writing submissions:
- Explain who you are
- Explain why you are making a submission
- Explain why you support the Bill
- Explain any changes to the Bill that you may want to propose