Prostitution in Armenia is illegal [1] under administrative law [2] Article Child prostitution is a problem in the country, [11] but this is denied by the authorities. At the start of the 20th century, prostitution in Armenia was legal and regulated.
The main objective of the regulation was to control sexually transmitted infections. Brothels could be opened by women over 35 years old. The brothel could not be within sazhens metres of churches, schools, and other public places. The owner must live on the premises and not engage in prostitution herself. A former brothel in Teryan Street, Yerevan is still noticeable by its carved naked women on the facade.
During majority of the soviet period, prostitution officially didn't exist. Prostitutes were sent to be "re-educated" in labour camps. In the run-up to the Armenian parliamentary election , former prime minister, Hrant Bagratyan , of the Free Democrats party said prostitution should be legalised and licensed, and taxation of their services would be positive towards the state's budget.
Armenia is a source and, to a lesser extent, destination country for women, and children subjected to sex trafficking. Armenian women and children are subjected to sex trafficking in the UAE and Turkey.
Armenian women and children are also subjected to sex trafficking within the country. Chinese women have been subjected to sex trafficking in Armenia.
