The World Health Organization (WHO) states that: "All countries should work toward decriminalization of sex work and elimination of the unjust application of non-criminal laws and regulations against sex workers.”

Decriminalization enables sex workers to organize community-based health practices, such as higher rates of condom use, that improve health and reduce the risk of HIV. WHO also argues that decriminalization makes it possible for sex workers to report, and for the police to address, illegal acts as they occur, such as assault, theft of services, the employment of minors, or client coercion.