NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Joe Biden
    United States of America
    COVID-19
    Pakistan
    Russia-Ukraine crisis
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / World News / Amnesty International backs decriminalization of prostitution
    World

    Amnesty International backs decriminalization of prostitution

    Amnesty International backs decriminalization of prostitution
    Written by Vaneet Randhawa
    Apr 07, 2016, 05:00 pm 3 min read
    Amnesty International backs decriminalization of prostitution

    Amnesty International has decided to put its weight behind decriminalization of the sex trade at their biennial International Council Meeting. Amnesty's backing is crucial as the organisation will be fundamental in lobbying governments across the world to accept its point of view. World Health Organisation, the United Nations AIDS programme UNAIDS etc. have already been endorsing this policy.

    2,70,000 victims of sexual exploitation in Europe

    A European parliamentary report claims that at present there are approximately 880,000 people living in slave-like conditions in Europe, of whom 270,000 were victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking.

    Hollywood against the decriminalization petition

    Hollywood stars Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson have come in support of a campaign which demands that Amnesty International dismiss a proposal to decriminalise "sex trade." The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) said that decriminalisation will promote "legalisation of pimping, brothel-owning and sex buying". 30,000 people Emily Blunt, Lena Dunham and Anne Hathaway have signed the petition against decriminalisation.

    The 'Nordic' way out

    The Nordic model which was introduced by Sweden in 1999 has been adopted by Canada, Iceland, Norway and Northern Island. The model aspires to penalise clients instead of punishing those who have been driven into prostitution. The Nordic model provides "services and alternatives" to sex workers, and criminalizes buyers and aims to educate them about the ground realities of the international sex trade.

    Countries that have already legalized sex work

    Interestingly, sex work has already been legalized and decriminalized in countries such as New Zealand, Germany, and Netherlands.

    What Amnesty hopes to achieve ?

    Supporters of the proposal feel that decriminalization would bring prostitution "out of the shadows" and shield sex workers from "abuse and disease". Amnesty aims to end "physical and sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, extortion and harassment, human trafficking, forced HIV testing and medical interventions" of the sex workers with their vote. This will also provide legal and social protection for them.

    Activists protest against prostitution decriminalization

    Activists, religious leaders and former sex trade workers lashed out at Amnesty International for its impending vote on decriminalizing prostitution. Activists feel that this ruling could mean that people who profit from the sex trade will get more freedom. Aina Bien-Aime, executive director of Coalition Against Trafficking in Women asked Amnesty to "decriminalize the exploited not the exploiters".

    Amnesty's Secretary General's take on the issue

    Amnesty's Secretary General Salil Shetty said: "We recognize that this critical human rights issue is hugely complex and that is why we have addressed this issue from the perspective of international human rights standards."

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest

    Latest

    Top features of Audi Activesphere: From AR to transforming design Audi
    5 must-visit places in Kolkata for those 'zamindari' vibes Kolkata
    Here's why you should include shilajit in your diet Health & Wellness
    5 foods that can make your memory problems worse Food

    Love World News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    World Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023