Sex Workers and HIV Prevention in Fiji: After the Fiji Crimes Decree 2009

On 1 February 2010, the Crimes Decree 2009 (Decree No. 44) of the Republic of Fiji Islands took effect. A report on sex work and HIV prevention in Fiji had very recently been released. UNAIDS Pacific funded the authors of that report to conduct follow-up research investigating any impacts of the new Decree on sex work and related HIV prevention activities. Thus, the original study was extended to encompass and take account of a changed legal environment. This report is the result.

Sex workers are among those who are most affected by HIV. The availability of appropriate and accessible services, information and resources are necessary conditions for HIV prevention. Nonetheless, prevention efforts will not be effective unless legal, political and social environments enable sex workers to protect themselves and their clients.