section_path: Economy/Prostitution/Developments of Campo Alegre (2020–2024)
section_name: Developments of Campo Alegre (2020–2024)
paragraph_text: Developments of Campo Alegre (2020–2024)
  
  Since its closure in 2020 after 71 years of operation, Campo Alegre, Curaçao's largest open-air brothel, has been at the center of significant developments. Following the closure, a government-appointed working group proposed three scenarios for the site: transforming it into a regulated prostitution area, repurposing it for commercial use, or converting it into a residential area.
  
  In 2023, the property was put up for auction, attracting various potential buyers. In a significant move, the Curaçao government purchased the Campo Alegre property, aiming to have more control over its future use.
  
  The current ruling political party, Movement for the Future of Curaçao (MFK), had made an election promise to reopen Campo Alegre as a regulated prostitution center. This promise aligns with the recommendations of the working group and reflects the party's stance on creating a controlled environment for sex work.
  
  As of 2024, the government is evaluating scenarios to ensure that the chosen path will benefit the local economy and social landscape.
  
  The U.S. State Department has cited anecdotal evidence claiming that, "Curaçao... destination island... for women trafficked for the sex trade from Peru, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, according to local observers. At least 500 foreign women reportedly are in prostitution throughout the five islands of the Antilles, some of whom have been trafficked." The US Department of State has said that the government of Curaçao frequently underestimates the extent of human trafficking problems.