In the News
Research Project during the World Cup Gathers Data on Sex Workers and HIV
- 12 July 2010
As part of the UN South Africa Programme of Support to the FIFA 2010 World Cup, UNFPA and SWEAT (Sex Worker Education & Advocacy Taskforce) partnered with South African researchers to investigate key dimensions of HIV and sex work during the tournament. This rigorous research was supported by a telephone helpline service to respond to health and human rights concerns of sex workers during the World Cup. According to Mr. Eric Harper, Executive Director of SWEAT: “These projects give weight to the rights watch dimension for most-at-risk-populations that is so vital when the largest sporting event in the world occurs.”
Sex work in South Africa became one of the most talked about issues in preparation for the tournament. Newspapers warned of an influx of sex workers to the country to exploit the lucrative potential of the arrival of thousands of soccer fans.
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