Sex trade is one of the oldest and a widespread phenomenon which engulfs both the developed and developing world. While in many regions it is practiced as a consensual business operation, there is also a dark side which plagues this controversial and stigmatised trade.

Amnesty International for decriminalisation

Amnesty International has decided to vote in favour of decriminalising the sex trade, in order to protect sex workers from human rights violation. The human rights watchdog approved the resolution in its decision making forum in Dublin.

Though Amnesty justifies the 'full decriminalisation of all aspects of consensual sex work' as the best way to safeguard human rights of sex workers. Some women's groups complained that it is akin to legalisation of pimping, and legitimises brothel owning, as reported by Fox News

Risk of legitimising pimps

While women's rights groups such as Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, agree that those who are prostituted should not be criminalised, they say that, an absolute decriminalisation will allow pimps to sell vulnerable women, without any check on their activities whatsoever.

Large-scale exploitation