Prostitutes Lebanon
To be raped or to become a prostitute in Beirut presents a horrific choice no one should face. In modern Lebanon, prostitution takes place semi-officially via ‘super night clubs’, and illegally on the streets, in bars, hotels, and brothels. Lebanon’s sex industry operates hidden in plain sight, a persistent reality. Prostitution is technically legal, but no new licences have been issued since the 70s, leaving it in a gray area. Officially, Lebanese law requires brothels to be licensed, a process that includes regular testing of workers for sexually transmitted infections, but this system is largely defunct.
Networks and Vulnerabilities
Many women travel to Lebanon on artist visas; they often start as dancers before turning to prostitution after hours, with thousands arriving annually. Prostitution occurs in networks differing by the women’s nationalities, exploiting vulnerabilities. Despite technical legality, those indicted face imprisonment, with harsher punishment for women. The plight of Syrian women and girls sold into sexual slavery is acute. Vulnerable groups, like ‘Soha’ forced into a Beirut brothel, are increasingly war-affected Syrian women.
Commercialization and Enforcement
Online platforms like GENTSNAV aggressively market escorts in Lebanon, while agencies like Atlas Escorts list services locally and abroad. Brothels have operated since at least 1919, depicted in films with French soldiers. Despite claims that Prostitution is not high in Lebanon!
, studies indicate 6,000+ prostitutes and growing. Escorts work through agencies, strip clubs, or independently, with platforms like EscortHub featuring 50,000+ global profiles. Raids occasionally occur, like the ISF arresting 4 prostitutes in Jounieh (August 2019), but fail to stem the tide. Male prostitution is reportedly rising.
Trafficking and Exploitation
Human trafficking routes exist even on highways like I-44. Forced prostitution cases are prosecuted under laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, including a landmark case in Lebanon, Missouri. Beirut’s nightlife masks a significant sex trade exploiting refugees under entertainment pretenses. Physical assaults by clients and pimps are common, and the system remains a dangerous underworld despite intermittent enforcement efforts.
*TAGS* – artist visas exploitation, Beirut brothels history, Syrian refugees trafficking
