Between 23rd and 27th July 2018, more than 120 sex workers from more than 25 countries attended the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS2018) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The bi-annual International AIDS Conferences are the largest global gathering of HIV academics, implementers, policy makers, people living with HIV and those most affected by HIV, including sex workers.

This report presents the key activities led by or including sex workers at AIDS2018 and explore some of the key thematic issues of the conference.

Between 23rd and 27th July 2018, more than 120 sex workers from more than 25 countries attended the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS2018) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The bi-annual International AIDS Conferences are the largest global gathering of HIV academics, implementers, policy makers, people living with HIV and those most affected by HIV, including sex workers.

This report presents the key activities led by or including sex workers at AIDS2018 and explore some of the key thematic issues of the conference. It also includes recommendations to the International AIDS Society (IAS), policy makers and donors for a greater and more meaningful inclusion of sex workers at IACs.

Contents include:

Overview of Activities and Thematic Issues

Opening Speech by Dinah de Riquet-Bons

Satellite Session

Creative Action by EMPOWER, Thailand

Abstract Session on harms of criminalisation of sex work

Sex Worker Participation in the Press Conference on ‘End Demand’ Models

Award to Duduzile Dlamini

Speech of O’Cindy Cynthia Samuels

Disruption of Bill Clinton’s Address on the Last Day

Sex Worker Networking Zone

Protest by Sex workers and Allies at the Positive Flame Ceremony

Workshop on the Impact of Punitive Laws

Session on Media Representation of Sex Workers

Trans Sex Workers Workshop

Sex Workers’ March

Recommendations to the International AIDS Society (IAS), HIV/AIDS Policy Makers and Donor

The report is available in English here. Photos used in the report by Juno Mac.

Source: NSWP