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Prostitution is illegal in Namibia, but many people still engage in it, often in secret and under unsafe conditions. Legal experts now say that ignoring the issue does not stop it, and the country should consider regulating prostitution to protect both sex workers and the public.
Khadila Amoomo Legal Practice recently stated, “Criminalizing and choosing to turn a blind eye does not stop it; instead, it drives it underground, increasing risks for both sex workers and the public.” They argue that proper laws could provide safety, dignity, and better health measures for all involved.
One major concern is safety. Because prostitution happens in secrecy, many crimes like assault go unreported. If regulated, the government could enforce safety measures, protecting sex workers and reducing criminal activities linked to underground prostitution, such as human trafficking and drug abuse.
Public health is another key issue. When sex work is unregulated, both workers and clients face higher risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Amoomo Legal Practice noted, “Proper laws would also improve public health by lowering rates of sexually transmitted infections through regular health screenings and safe-sex education.” In other countries where prostitution is regulated, health authorities ensure regular check-ups, which help control infections and protect the wider community.
Another concern is human trafficking. A legal framework would help separate voluntary sex work from forced prostitution. It would also help protect vulnerable people, including minors, from being exploited. Amoomo Legal Practice emphasized, “Regulation would help distinguish between voluntary sex work and forced prostitution, allowing authorities to crack down on trafficking while ensuring that only consenting adults participate in the industry.”
Countries like Germany and the Netherlands have laws that protect sex workers, ensuring they have legal rights, access to healthcare, and protection from abuse. Even South Africa has debated decriminalization as a way to improve public safety.
In Namibia, changing prostitution laws would require revising the Combating of Immoral Practices Act and other related laws. This could include licensing systems, health regulations, and labor protections to improve working conditions.
Khadila Amoomo Legal Practice argue that Namibia should move from criminalization to regulation to keep everyone safer.
Khadila Amoomo Legal Practice concluded, “Namibia should regulate prostitution to enhance safety and shift from criminalization to regulation to protect all parties involved.” Whether lawmakers will consider these changes remains to be seen, but the conversation is growing among legal and public health experts.
