The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is annually observed across the world on 17th December to focus attention on the hate crimes committed against sex workers across the globe.
- The day also aims to empower sex workers to come together against discrimination and remember the victims of violence.
The global observance of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is led by the NSWP – Global Network of Sex Work Projects.
Background:
i.International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was started by the Sex Workers Outreach Project(SWOP) USA (United States of America), and inaugurated by Dr Annie Sprinkle on 17th December 2003.
ii.The first International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was observed on 17th December 2003 as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Symbol of Sex Worker’s Rights:
‘Red Umbrella’ is the symbol of sex workers’ rights across the globe.
The red umbrella was adopted as the symbol for the rights of sex workers by the International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe in 2005.
Other Significant observance related to sex workers:
- 3rd March – International Sex Workers’ Rights Day
- 2nd June – International Sex Workers’ Day
- 14th September – Sex Worker Pride
Rights of Sex Workers in India:
i.In June 2022, the Supreme Court of India (SC) noted sex work as a profession and stated that sex workers should be treated with decency and dignity and the government officials should not interfere or take any criminal action when an adult engages in consensual sex work.
ii.The SC noted that the sex workers and their children are covered under the protection of Article 21 – Right to Life, of the Indian Constitution.
iii.Sex work in India is governed by the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act(ITPA), 1956. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Juvenile Justice Act also have provisions dealing with prostitution and trafficking in India.
iv.Private prostitution is not illegal in India but, according to IPC the following are illegal,
- Soliciting prostitution services publicly
- Prostitution activities in hotels
- Prostitution by arranging for a sex worker
- Arranging a sexual act with a customer
About NSWP – Global Network of Sex Work Projects:
President– Phelister Abdalla
Global Secretariat– Edinburgh, Scotland, the United Kingdom
