Prostitution in Bahrain

Last updated

Prostitution in Bahrain is illegal [1] [2] but it has gained a reputation in the Middle East as a major destination for sex tourism. [3] [4]

Contents

The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights reported in 2007 that there were more than 13,500 prostitutes in the country and that the number was rising. [5]

Sex trafficking is a problem in the country. [6]

Bahraini conservative Al Asala bloc sought to curb prostitution by banning women from certain countries, but their proposal failed, as there were worries that Bahrain’s diplomatic relations might deteriorate with the countries targeted in Al Asala’s anti-prostitution drive. [7]

According to the U.S. Department of State, women and men from South and Central Asia, and East Asia; East and West Africa, Uzbekistan, and other countries are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking in Bahrain. [8]

Overview

Prostitution is common, especially in Manama. [4] [9] Most of the prostitution occurs in bars and hotels, but some prostitutes, mainly Russian and Central Asian, attract customers in the malls. [10] There is also some street prostitution. [11] In Bahrain, the prostitution is organized. Most of the prostitutes are foreign: Russian, Thai, Filipino, Ethiopian, Bangladeshi, Chinese and South Korean. [12] [13] [9] [10] Kenyan women have also been known to engage in prostitution. [14] Each hotel or bar tends to have one nationality of prostitutes: One hotel in the Al Jaffir district has bars on different levels where each level 'offers' a specific nationality of prostitute. [9] Filipino and Chinese prostitutes work in Australian outback-themed bars. In some hotels the women will knock on guests doors late at night looking for customers. [9] [10] Alcohol and prostitution is opposed by Bahrain's majority Shia population. Bills to prohibit alcohol have been passed by the Shia-ruled parliament but revoked by the Sunni–ruled Shura Council of Bahrain. Hotels and bars tolerate the prostitutes as it brings in male customers and increases alcohol sales. [9]

Many of the customers are Saudis who drive to Bahrain where the laws are far less strict than in their homeland, especially where sex and alcohol are concerned. [9] [15] [16]

Sin city

In 2009, Manama was placed at number 8 in the top 10 "sin cities" of the world by AskMen magazine. [5] [16] This prompted a clampdown during which 300 prostitutes and pimps were arrested within the first week, [17] and the Al Asalah parliamentary bloc proposing that the country should stop issuing visas to Russian, Thai, Ethiopian, and Chinese women to stop prostitutes from entering the country. The proposal was not adopted. [18]

Prostitution and related activities are prohibited by the Bahrain Criminal Code: [19]

Chapter 3 - Immorality & Prostitution

1. Totally or partly living on the proceeds of that person's own immorality or prostitution (max 5 years)
2. Totally or partly living on the proceeds of another person's own immorality or prostitution (max 5 years)
3. Protecting another person engaged in immorality or prostitution (max 5 years)
1. Soliciting in a public place for immorality or prostitution (max 2 years)
2. Any notices containing an invitation or implying temptation are considered soliciting

The Ministry of Interior Criminal Investigation Directorate and the Capital Governante's Municipal Council raid flats or hotels if there are complaints of "unlawful activities" by neighbours. [4]

The courts may issue deportation orders against foreign prostitutes on conviction or if it is in the "public interest". [4] In 2016 Bahraini MP Jamal Dawood proposed that non-Bahrainis caught in cases involved in cases of prostitution should be deported immediately and banned from the country for life. The proposal was rejected as it would be contradictory to human rights. Majority of the MPs supported the committee's decision and rejected Dawood's proposal. [20]

Bahrain's Aliens Act allows immigration officials to deny entry to people convicted of crimes elsewhere, including prostitution. They can also be denied entry for unspecified "health reasons". [4]

History

Prostitution has been practised in Bahrain for many years. [11]

After WW1, many foreign workers, especially from Persia, Iraq and India, came to the country fueling demand for prostitution. There were two areas designated for brothels, one in Gulba, west Manama and the other in Muharraq. Both male and female prostitutes worked in the brothels. In 1937 it was decreed prostitutes could only live and work in these areas, any operating outside these areas were to be deported. Most of the female prostitutes were from Persia, Iraq and Oman, and were known as "girls or daughters of love". The Persians charged the highest prices, then Iraqis and Omanis, respectively. The male prostitutes were mainly Omani boys. There were also Bahraini women who were the children of former slaves also working in these areas. The two areas declined in the 1970s with the building of hotels and prostitution spreading to the hotels. [11]

The nationality of female prostitutes changed through the 1980s and 1990s. During the 1980s, Filipino women could be seen in prostitution. Sri Lankans were available on certain streets in various areas of Manama. Also, there continues to be a main street in Adliya commonly referred to as the “meat market,” where Filipinas walk about at night. New nationalities of prostitutes have been seen during the 1990s. Since the break down of communism, ex-Soviet women have entered into prostitution. [11]

After the Saudi causeway was opened in 1986, many Saudis came to the country because of its more relaxed attitude to sex and alcohol. The Saudi visitors who wanted to "party", greatly increased the demand for prostitution. [11]

Prostitutes of different nationalities have come to the country at different times. Following the collapse of communism, Russian prostitutes came to the country, and 1996 saw the arrival of Bosnians. Russian women were available in some of the expensive hotel restaurants frequented by Saudis, and outside two and three-star hotels and other restaurants frequented by other tourists. [11]

Sex trafficking

Bahrain is a destination country for women subjected to sex trafficking, primarily from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Nepal, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Thailand, Syria, and Kenya. [6]

In 2015, the government convicted 17 sex traffickers and imposed 10-year prison terms plus fines and deportation. At the close of the reporting period, five trafficking cases, and four from the previous year, remained ongoing. Officials reported three government employees were allegedly complicit in potential trafficking crimes. Two of these cases remained under investigation and one was in the trial phase at the conclusion of the reporting period. The media reported the arrest of two police officers—one former and one current—for their role in the sex trafficking of foreign women; however, it was unclear if the government and media were reporting the same two cases. [6]

Two Russian women were deported from Bahrain to Russia in 2016 for their involvement in a sex trafficking ring. They lured women from the Urals to Bahrain between 2011 and 2016 with promises of work. Once there they were forced into prostitution. One of the women was given a six-year jail term for trafficking 23 women to Bahrain for prostitution, by the Russian courts in June 2017. [21]

The United States Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons ranks Bahrain as a 'Tier 1' country. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prostitution in Asia</span>

The legality of prostitution in Asia varies by country. There is often a significant difference in Asia between prostitution laws and the practice of prostitution. In 2011, the Asian Commission on AIDS estimated there were 10 million sex workers in Asia and 75 million male customers.

Prostitution is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and is punishable by imprisonment and fines. Flogging was also a possible punishment until April 2020 when it was abolished by the order of the Saudi Supreme Court General Commission. Foreign nationals are also deported after punishment. If the parties are also charged with adultery, fornication and sodomy, which can apply to both the prostitute and the client since all sexual activity outside a lawful marriage is illegal, the punishment can be death.

Prostitution in Estonia is legal in itself, but organized prostitution is illegal. Since prostitution is a sensitive indicator that develops with changes in the social environment and the state, it is useful to divide the history of this phenomenon from Estonia's first independence according to the different historical stages of the country.

Prostitution in Georgia is illegal but widespread, particularly in the capital, Tbilisi. Many NGO's attribute this to the harsh economic conditions according to the US State Department. Prostitution occurs on the streets, in bars, nightclubs, hotels and brothels. UNAIDS estimate there are 6,525 prostitutes in Georgia.

Prostitution in Yemen is illegal and punishable by penalty from 3 years of prison to even death penalty but common especially in Aden and in the capital, Sana'a. UNAIDS estimate there are 54,000 prostitutes in the country. Many of these women have turned to prostitution because of poverty. Many are Ethiopian and Somali refugees.

Prostitution is illegal in Qatar and carries severe punishment of several years in prison. Prostitution normally takes place in bars, nightclubs and hotels. There are occasional clamp-downs and the prostitutes are arrested and deported.

Prostitution in the United Arab Emirates is illegal. Punishments for engaging in prostitution include heavy fines and imprisonment, with foreign prostitutes typically being deported from the UAE. In 2006 the UAE deported 4,300 foreign prostitutes. Despite its illegality, prostitution is widespread, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The authorities generally turn a blind eye provided it is kept out of the public eye.

Prostitution in Lebanon is nominally legal and regulated. However, no licences have been issued since 1975. In modern Lebanon, prostitution takes place semi-officially via 'super night clubs', and illegally on the streets, in bars, hotels and brothels. UNAIDS estimate there to be 4,220 prostitutes in the country.

Prostitution in Rwanda is illegal in all aspects. Prostitutes, clients and any involved third parties are criminalised by the country's Penal Code. However, a draft of a new Penal Code that does not prohibit prostitution was presented for debate in the Rwandan Parliament in December 2017.

Prostitution in Burkina Faso is not specifically prohibited by the law, but soliciting and pimping are illegal. Burkinabe society only accepts sexual intercourse within marriage. In 2009, Voice of America reported that the number of prostitutes in Burkina Faso had increased as a result of the country's poverty. The increase in prostitution has given rise to fears of an increase in the number of Burkinabés infected with HIV and AIDS. UNAIDS estimate there to be 31,000 prostitutes in the country.

Prostitution in Belarus is illegal but commonplace and is an administrative, rather than criminal, offence. Running a brothel is forbidden and engaging in other means of pimping are punishable by up to 10 years in prison. UNAIDS estimated there were 22,000 sex workers in Belarus in 2016.

Bahrain ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol in June 2004.

Prostitution is illegal in Maldives, but occurs on a small scale. A 2014 survey by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) estimated there were 1,139 female prostitutes on the islands. Some women enter the country posing as tourists but then engage in sex work.

Prostitution is illegal in Bhutan but in many of Bhutan's border towns there are people openly practising in the sex trade. Prostitution mainly occurs in bars, clubs and hotels. Some of the sex workers are employed by bar and hotel owners to attract customers. Prostitution also occurs in the capital, Thimphu.

Prostitution in Tajikistan is legal, but related activities such as soliciting, procuring and brothel keeping are prohibited. Prostitution has increased within the country since the collapse of the Soviet Union. UNAIDS estimate there are 14,100 female sex workers in Tajikistan. Government official figures for 2015 were 1,777 prostitutes and 194 brothels. Prostitution occurs on the streets and in bars, restaurants, nightclubs and saunas, and HIV prevalence is 3.5% amongst sex workers.

Prostitution in East Timor is legal, but soliciting and third party involvement for profit or to facilitate prostitution is forbidden. Prostitution has become a problem since the country gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, especially in the capital, Dili. There are estimated to be 1,688 sex workers in the country.

Prostitution in Botswana is not illegal, but laws such as public disorder, vagrancy, loitering and state recognised religious provisions are used to prosecute prostitutes. Related activities such as soliciting and brothel keeping are illegal. Botswana has made proposals to make prostitution legal to prevent the spread of AIDS. However, there has been mass opposition to it by the Catholic Church. Prostitution is widespread and takes place on the street, bars, hotels, brothels and the cabs of long-distance trucks.

Prostitution in Angola is illegal and prevalent since the 1990s. Prostitution increased further at the end of the civil war in 2001. Prohibition is not consistently enforced. Many women engage in prostitution due to poverty. It was estimated in 2013 that there were about 33,000 sex workers in the country. Many Namibian women enter the country illegally, often via the border municipality of Curoca, and travel to towns such as Ondjiva, Lubango and Luanda to work as prostitutes.

Prostitution in Djibouti is illegal but tolerated. UNAIDS estimate there are 2,900 prostitutes in the country. Many work from bars and nightclubs. There is a red-light district in Djibouti City.

Prostitution in the Dutch Caribbean is legal and regulated. At least 500 foreign women are reportedly working in prostitution throughout the islands. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Curaçao are sex tourism destinations.

References

  1. ↑ "The Legal Status of Prostitution by Country". ChartsBin. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  2. ↑ "Overview of Trafficking and Prostitution Laws in the Middle East and Africa". Thomson Reuters Foundation. November 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  3. ↑ Trofimov, Yaroslav (9 June 2009). "Upon Sober Reflection, Bahrain Reconsiders the Wages of Sin". Wall Street Journal . Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Ditmore, Melissa Hope (1 January 2006). Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work: A-N. Vol. 1. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN   9780313329685 . Retrieved 21 March 2017– via Google Books.
  5. 1 2 Shaw, Susan M.; Barbour, Nancy Staton; Duncan, Patti; Freehling-Burton, Kryn; Nichols, Jane (December 2017). Women's Lives around the World: A Global Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 26. ISBN   978-1610697118.
  6. 1 2 3 "Bahrain 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2018.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  7. ↑ "BAHRAIN: Islamists seeking to curb prostitution fail in bid to ban women from 4 countries". Los Angeles Times. 15 December 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "Bahrain". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Browne, Malachy (2 September 2010). "Bahrain Diary: 'Too much Honky Ponky'". Politico. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  10. 1 2 3 "Bahrain Nightlife: Manama Bars And Girls - Asia Nightlife Guides". Nighthawk Journeys. 3 March 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Francoeur, Robert T.; Noonan, Raymond J.; Reiss, Ira L.; Perper, Timothy; Opiyo-Omolo, Beldina (2006). The Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of Sexuality (Updated one-volume edition, with more countries. ed.). New York, NY: Continuum. ISBN   978-0826414885.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  12. ↑ "South Korean Escorts Manama Bahrain".
  13. ↑ "Korean Escorts Manama Bahrain".
  14. ↑ "Embassy Issues Warning as Kenyans in Bahrain are Accused of Engaging in Prostitution, Drunkenness". Mwakilishi.com. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  15. ↑ "'Sex tourists' alert for Bahrain". Trade Arabia. 22 June 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  16. 1 2 Voyer, Marc. "You've Won The Lottery. You're Single. Where Are You Headed?". AskMen. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  17. ↑ "Bahrain makes the list of Top 10 "Sin Cities"". Al Arabiya News. 4 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  18. ↑ Sandels, Alexandra (15 December 2009). "BAHRAIN: Islamists seeking to curb prostitution fail in bid to ban women from 4 countries". LA Times. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  19. ↑ "Bahrain Criminal Code" (PDF). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime . Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  20. ↑ Mansour, Muhannad (1 June 2016). "Several foreigners in prostitution: Bahrain MP". News Of Bahrain. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  21. ↑ "Bahrain deports Russian 'sex traffickers'". BBC News. 2 November 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  22. ↑ "Bahrain 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 29 July 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.