Prostitution in Samoa

Prostitution in Samoa is illegal[1] but is commonly practised.[2] In 2009, an investigation by the Samoan Observer newspaper identified that prostitution was taking place on the islands.[3] A study carried out in 2016 by the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF and the University of New South Wales indicated that there were approximately 400 female sex workers in Samoa, serving local and foreign clients. This equates to 1 in every 140 of the adult women on the island.[2] The primary reason for women doing sex work was economic;[4] some starting sex work as early as 13 years old.[5] In February 2017, Samoa Police prepared to launch an investigation into a foreign-owned business alleged to be using local women in a prostitution operation.[6] In the same year the Ministry of Health put forward plans to offer counselling and educational services to sex workers[7] as part of the National HIV, AIDS, and STI Policy 2017-2022.[5]

  1. ^ "The Legal Status of Prostitution by Country". ChartsBin. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Having safe sex in Samoa : Prostitution in Samoa | Travel the fire". Travel the fire!. 28 August 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  3. ^ "Prostitution On The Rise In Samoa". Pacific Islands Report. 30 November 2009.
  4. ^ Mata'afa Keni Lesa (4 May 2017). "Sex workers and frightening truth about Samoa today". Samoa Observer.
  5. ^ a b Feagaimaali’i, Joyetter (27 August 2017). "Report owns up to existence of Samoa's sex workers". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  6. ^ Ilia L. Likou (February 2017). "Prostitution rumour rejected". Samoa Observer.
  7. ^ "Samoa MP calls for end to prostitution". Radio New Zealand News. 27 September 2017.