To mark World AIDS Day 2017, SWAN and ICRSE, two regional networks for sex workers’ rights in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia join individuals, organisations and other networks in uniting in the fight against HIV globally, and remembering those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Together, SWAN and ICRSE are publishing this joint statement to continue to highlight the key issues sex workers face in relation to health and HIV. We invite sex workers and allies in our region to join us in marking #WorldAIDSDay by including these HASHTAGS on social media and help us raise awareness of the importance of sex workers’ rights in the fight to end HIV and ensuring nobody is left behind!
The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) recommended that Russia decriminalise sex work on 6 of October 2017, in their concluding observations to Russia’s sixth periodic review. This recommendation was the result of advocacy by SWAN members Silver Rose, a sex worker organisation in St. Petersburg, and New Life from Ekaterinburg.
On 25th of May, 2017, new SWAN members Red Umbrella Athens (Greece) together with Hellenic Association of People Living with HIV “Positive Voice” have organized a conference on policy issues regarding sex work in Greece. It was very successful as for the first time this topic was discussed by representatives from the government, political parties, civil society, sex workers and scientific community.
Global Fund is leaving Macedonia this year in June. It means that most of the services will be closed or reduced to minimum if the Government doesn't provide financial support. Healthy Options Project Skopje - HOPS started a campaign for securing sustainability of harm reduction programs in Macedonia with various activities - petition, meetings with Ministry of Health, press conferences, social media campaign, a video. The key focus are harm reduction programs for drug users, but wider focus are all programs targeting key populations - sex workers, MSM, PLWHA.
On June 24, 2017, in Moscow, "Silver Rose" took part at the Second Conference held about the violation of labour rights of vulnerable groups "Protecting the rights of vulnerable groups in the labour sphere". It was attended by over 70 people, including 29 speakers.
Three men who have attacked Kemal Ördek (LGBTI activist and Chair of Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association) are sentenced to 7 years and 6 months imprisonment for the attempted robbery. The defendant, who Ördek has accused of raping her, is acquitted of sexual assault. All three defendants were sentenced for 7 years and 6 months in prison for the crime of attempted robbery.
Today, on 2nd of June 2017, we mark The International Sex Workers’ Day. On this day in 1975 French sex workers occupied the Saint-Nizier church in Lyon for 8 days in a desperate attempt to call attention to their worsened working conditions. On 10th June at 5 o'clock the Church was brutally raided and cleared by police forces.
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