Prostitutes Port Sudan

Child prostitution is rising in South Sudan, particularly in Port Louis and other towns. In South Sudan, prostitution itself is legal and buying sex is permitted, but brothels and procuring are illegal. Al Jazeera reported in 2014 that South Sudan’s civil war led to an increase in child sex workers. Vulnerable girls are often trafficked into restaurants and brothels for exploitation.

Enforcement and Cross-Border Dynamics

Police in Juba arrested over 80 women, including nationals and foreigners, for alleged involvement in prostitution during this period. Reports indicate Sudanese girls engage in prostitution within the country, sometimes facilitated by third parties. Foreign women have also turned to sex work in South Sudan, with many arriving from nearby African nations.

Legal Frameworks and Systemic Challenges

A 2014 ACJPS report highlighted a surge in forced prostitution in South Darfur, driven by economic hardship. In Sudan, selling sex is illegal under Sharia adultery laws, with specific penalties in the penal code. UNAIDS estimates approximately 110,000 sex workers operate in Sudan, facing significant risks. Humanitarians have been criticized for inadvertently fueling South Sudan’s sex trade.

Ongoing Concerns and Impact

A 2012 Trafficking in Persons Report noted ongoing issues with sex trafficking and forced labor in Sudan. The economic toll of prostitution and destitution remains severe, especially for displaced populations.

*TAGS* – child sex workers Sudan, Sharia adultery penalties, cross-border sex trafficking