Amnesty International sparked a flurry of international criticism in August when it proposed the decriminalization of sex workers. The charity says its main goals are improving the welfare and rights of sex workers globally, and ensuring their equal treatment by the police, health services and employers. But critics claim decriminalization is a gateway to human trafficking and pimping.
The proposal follows a two-year consultation between Amnesty and sex workers, HIV agencies, anti-trafficking groups and women’s and LGBTI rights activists. It draws on case studies on the impact of criminalization in Argentina, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea and Norway.
