Triumph in Advocacy: GWIHR’s Landmark Victory in Defending Sex Workers’ Rights

In a monumental triumph for human rights advocacy, GWIHR achieved a significant victory in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). This victory underscores GWIHR’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health and rights of sex workers.

The journey began when GWIHR identified two sex workers who had suffered severe violations of their fundamental human rights. These individuals faced economic exploitation and potential trafficking. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, GWIHR provided them with a safe haven in her safe house. Here, the sex workers received comprehensive psychosocial support and medical services from GWIHR’s dedicated team of psychologists and medical professionals.

Determined to seek justice, GWIHR partnered with NAPTIP to bring the perpetrators to account. Together, they worked tirelessly to prepare a robust legal case. Their efforts culminated in a two-count charge filed in the Federal High Court before Hon. Justice E.A. Obile. In a decisive legal proceeding, the defendant pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to one year imprisonment, with an alternative option of a fine running concurrently.

This case marked a pivotal moment in the fight for the rights and dignity of sex workers. The collaborative efforts of GWIHR and NAPTIP not only secured justice for the victims but also sent a powerful message: sex workers deserve protection and respect under the law. This victory imprints their joint commitment to justice firmly in the sands of time, setting a precedent for future advocacy and legal battles.