Question

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability and plight of sex workers across the world.

Which among the following statements are true about the recent advisory related to sex workers issued by NHRC (National Human Rights Commission)?

Statement I :

NHRC advised to changes the current statutory status of sex workers from 'informal workers' to 'Women at work'.

Statement II :

The advisory says that such workers may be provided benefits on humanitarian grounds that are entitled to informal workers.

Choose the correct option :

1. Only I
2. Only II
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Only II

The correct answer is Only II​.

• The advisory discharged on October 7, told the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Labour, Social Justice, Health, and Consumer Affairs in all states and Union Territories to distinguish sex workers as informal workers and register them so they are able to avail the benefits of a worker. Hence statement 2 is correct.

• The Ministries have been inquired to issue provisional documents so that the sex workers like all other informal workers, can access all welfare measures and health services.
• The recommendations included sex workers among groups that were examined as part of vulnerable and marginal sections of society, thereby considering them as citizens who are eligible for protection of human rights in the time of the pandemic.
• The NHRC in a vigorous attempt to secure the rights of all women who have been excluded and peripheral during the Covid-19 pandemic included sex workers as informal workers in their advisory on ‘Women at Work’. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.