Rights of Sex Workers in India “Are Profession and Dignity Synonyms? ”

Abstract

“Although, several International Covenants have been ratified by India on women rights and also has a Constitution that expressly criticize the exploitation and discrimination based on gender and sex, then also it has not been successful in constructively promoting and protecting the human rights of women, especially mentioning the sex works in India. This miserable state of affairs is manifested by the intensity and extent of violence that still exists in the sex industry - discrimination at the hands of police and judiciary, exploitation during the housing facilities and employment, deep concerns relating to health, safety and security of the sex workers including the issues of lack of consent and consultation, extortion and pimping, rejection of self-determination and psychological abuse. The article focuses and highlights the plight of sex workers in India and the challenges reflected that are encountered by them as well as how this profession is not dignified in India where the right to livelihood is interpreted as part of right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The pertaining policy framework for the rights and protection of sex workers through rehabilitation and rescue techniques is ineffective in safeguarding their interests since it has been governed by the principle that sex work is immoral. Therefore, the article offers a substitute suggestion which whirl around the concept of redefining prostitution as sex work and further legalizing and decriminalizing sex work in order to protect the human rights and how ‘dignity’ and ‘profession’ are treated as synonyms in India.”