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January 31, 2024 Statement

Human Rights Watch submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls

November 28, 2023 Dispatches

Landmark UN Report Calls for Sex Work Decriminalization

End Criminalization, Protect Women’s Rights

Sex workers and allies at a rally demanding sex work be recognized as work
September 12, 2023 Statement

Open letter of the European Coalition on Sex Workers’ Rights and Inclusion to Members of the European Parliament Re: Prostitution Report

202309WRD_sexwork_EU
September 7, 2023 News Release

Europe: Pivotal Moment for Sex Worker Rights

Critical Issues Before European Court of Human Rights, Parliament

Sex workers and their allies gathered on December 20, 2019 in Nantes, France for the world day against violence against sex workers.
June 26, 2023 Commentary

Decriminalizing Sex Work Would be Ireland’s Next Opportunity to Choose Equality

Kate McGrew and other members of Sex Workers Alliance Ireland hold a candlelit vigil outside Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland to mark International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers, December 17, 2014.
January 26, 2023 Dispatches

Spain Debates Dangerous Sex Work Law

Across Europe, Criminalization is Linked to Increases in Sexual Assault, Harassment, Attacks

Sex workers protest in the Puerta del Sol, Madrid, against the the proposed criminalization of sex work.
December 14, 2022 Dispatches

South African Leadership Makes Moves to Decriminalize Sex Work

Decades of Activism by Sex Workers Has Highlighted Dangers of Criminalization

South African women's rights groups and sex workers demonstrate outside the magistrate court in Johannesburg
September 20, 2021 Dispatches

South Sudanese Officials Intimidate Sex Worker on Camera

Government Should Protect Sex Workers, Enhance HIV/AIDs Education

Three sex workers sit at their workplace in Juba, South Sudan on March 5, 2018.
January 21, 2021 Dispatches

Norway Arrests Highlight Impact of Pandemic on Sex Workers

Governments Should Include Sex Workers in Public Health and Financial Support Responses

People demonstrate in support of sex workers, April 14, 2018. 
November 25, 2020 Dispatches

Sex Workers’ Safety in the Balance in Scotland

Consultation Ignores Safest Option for Workers — Full Decriminalization

People take part in an International Women's Day march in London, England, against criminalization of sex work
May 4, 2020 Dispatches

Sex Workers Struggle to Survive Covid-19 Pandemic

Criminalization Makes a Bad Situation Worse

The narrow streets and alleys of Amsterdam's famed Red Light District, normally packed with tourists, seen largely deserted, March 16, 2020.
January 30, 2020 Dispatches

More Americans Favor Decriminalizing Sex Work

Decriminalization Could Help End Abuses Against Sex Workers in the US

© 2012 Human Rights Watch
September 19, 2019 News Release

US: Block Law Endangering Sex Workers

Human Rights Watch, Partners to Appeal 2017 ‘FOSTA’ Law

People march in support of sex workers, Sunday, June 2, 2019, in Las Vegas.
August 7, 2019 Commentary

Sex Work Should be Legal — If Only to Protect Women from Police

201908wrd_southafrica_main
August 7, 2019 Interview

Interview: Outlawed and Ostracized: Sex Workers in South Africa

Why Sex Work Should be Decriminalized

Sex workers wearing masks lead a march to mark International Sex Workers Rights Day in Johannesburg March 3, 2011

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