On September the 4th the first seminar for journalists was held in Slovakia to help media reporters understand better human rights issues, stigma, violence, corruption and health problems that sex workers encounter on a daily basis. Similar seminars will soon be organized in other countries in the SWAN network. More
 

In June this year sex workers from Macedonia and Serbia participated at training in Belgrade where basic skills are developed for preparation of community newsletters. Preparations are underway among sex workers in those two countries to voice their issues, pride and concerns in publications targeting their own local community. More
 

An information and advocacy campaign was launched in August 2008 at the streets of Bratislava. Its aim is to increase awareness of street sex workers about their human rights. More
 

In end of September this year JAZAS, SWAN member from Serbia, will organize training sessions and assist in preliminary mapping of hot- spots in two smaller towns in Serbia – Subotica and Sombor. This will be first steps towards extending sex worker outreach services outside the Serbian capital. More

Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers Honored at AIDS Conference

(Mexico City, August 6, 2008) - The Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) is the recipient of the 2008 international Award for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Human Rights Watch announced today. More
 

Lack of funding from the national Anti-drug Fund might soon result with closure of all harm reduction service providers in Slovakia. Since the country became an EU Member in 2004 most of the donors have left. EU funding is not available, leaving it to the national governments to foot the bill. After spending all their savings, SWAN member Odyseus has funds to fully operate till September. Odyseus alone estimates a gap of 23.000 euros in order to operate till the end of the year. More in a report by Peter Lazovy. More