Colombia’s Cartagena Mulls Creating Red-Light District to Regulate Sex Work

Cartagena de Indias Mayor Dumek Turbay recently proposed to create a red-light district to tackle the challenges of sex work and sex tourism that affect the city. Cartagena sex work-related issues have reached a breaking point for locals and government authorities alike. As one of the top Colombian tourist destinations, the provincial city is facing a critical predicament emphasizing inequalities and vulnerabilities.

Due to urban deterioration and safety concerns linked to an increase in informal vendors, and public sex work that has disrupted the quality of life in the area, Cartagena’s Historic Center, famed for its colonial architecture, has prompted widespread concerns among its residents.

Cartagena’s proposed red-light district for sex work Practices

To address these problems, Mayor Dumek Turbay has introduced a proposal to create a designated “Adult Zone” or legal Red-light district on the outskirts of the city, where sex work could be practiced under regulated conditions.

This zone would incorporate strict health and safety regulations, reducing public disturbances and enhancing security for both workers and the broader community. In addition to legal measures, Turbay’s plan includes a comprehensive support network with healthcare and psychosocial services for sex workers, aiming to improve conditions while tackling some of the underlying social issues associated with the trade.

Past attempts to relocate sex work in Cartagena and public backlash about red-light districts

Previous attempts to relocate sex work out of the Historic Center have led to controversial results. In 2024, sex workers were moved to areas like El Bosque Avenue and the San Pedro neighborhood, sparking incensed complaints. 

Critics of Turbay’s proposal claim that simply relocating sex work in Cartagena doesn’t address the root problems of poverty and inequality, which leave people vulnerable to exploitation. Community leaders and activists emphasize that without meaningful reforms, such as those addressing economic opportunities and legal protections, issues around sex tourism will persist and could worsen.

Public spaces and community 

“Just as sex workers and members of the LGBT community have rights, so do families with children who want to have fun in the park or with young people and adults who exercise in them. Rights are connected to duties for the welfare of the city, in terms of tolerance, but also respect and consistency in understanding that a sexual service is not appropriate in a setting where a child attends,” says Major Turbay. 

The initiative is part of a broader effort to curb illegal and exploitative practices, though concerns remain about its effectiveness if underlying issues of economic disparity are not also addressed.

In Cartagena, unregulated sex work has led to unsanitary conditions, increased crime, and a general decline in the aesthetic appeal and comfort of public areas, which diminishes Cartagena’s reputation and makes certain areas difficult for families and respectful tourists to enjoy.

Cartagena’s sex tourism struggle 

Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism reported an 8.5% increase in foreign visitors in the first half of 2024, underscoring Cartagena’s reliance on tourism as an economic driver.

Cartagena has struggled with issues of sex tourism for years, compounded by economic dependency on the tourism sector. The situation also heightens risks for minors.

Cartagena, along with Barranquilla and Bogotá, is also listed as a high-risk area for child exploitation. A study by ECPAT International stresses that tourism can sometimes expose families to exploitation risks, particularly where poverty is pervasive. 

Furthermore, a 2020 study by BMC Public Health found that most people in Colombia living with HIV face challenges like limited healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Turbay’s proposed “Adult Zone” is planned for 2025, but faces scrutiny from critics who argue that more sustainable measures are needed to address the deeper issues at hand.