This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa was considering a ban on sex work and street begging, a move that has sparked concerns among rights groups.
The proposed ban comes as the city grapples with issues of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. According to reports, the city's administration is planning to introduce new regulations to curb the growing number of sex workers and beggars on the streets.
However, human rights groups have expressed concerns that the ban could lead to further marginalization of vulnerable groups, including sex workers and beggars. They argue that instead of criminalizing these individuals, the city should focus on addressing the root causes of poverty and providing support services to those in need.
The proposed ban has also raised questions about the city's ability to enforce such regulations, given the existing challenges in policing and addressing social issues.