US Sex workers and programs that work with them are confronting many policy issues. The Best Practices Policy Project will help you keep in touch with campaigns, actions, and policy development across the country

2011 in Review: Fighting for human rights of those involved in sex trade and sex work

The past year was full of activity as sex worker rights activists mobilized across the country to advance the wellbeing of people engaged in sexual exchange. From the halls of the United Nations to the streets of New Orleans, there were important victories, but also challenges. As we enter a new year of struggle for the rights of those involved in sex trade/work, let’s take a moment to reflect on some key moments of 2011.

Report on human rights challenges in the context of HIV/AIDS, Sept 2010

In September 2010 the Best Practices Policy Project reported on key human rights questions in regards to HIV/AIDS in the United States for sex workers, people in the sex trade and vulnerable communities in general. This report was submitted to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in partnership with the Desiree Alliance, Bayswan, Women with a Vision, HIPS, Madre Tierra, St James Infirmary, SWOP-USA, SWOP-Tucson, SWOP-NYC and SWANK, SWOP-Colorado, SWOP-Chicago and other organizations. Key issues emerging included the lack of mention of sex work in the US National HIV Strategy, human rights violations of people living with HIV who are arrested for solicitation, and the use of condoms as evidence. Read the report and download it as a pdf.

Report submitted to the High Commissioner on Human Rights, 2010

In 2010 we joined with the Desiree Alliance to research and describe the state of sex workers’ rights in the United States to be included as one of only five US presentations to be part of the Sexual Rights Initiative reporting back to the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Universal Periodic Review. This report found that sex workers in the United States, especially those from communities of color and low-income LGBT communities, are subject to police harassment, extortion and false arrest. Policing also undermines sex workers ability to protect their sexual health because condoms and other safe sex equipment are used as evidence against them. In some parts of the United States people detained for violating anti-prostitution laws are subjected to mandatory testing and face much more serious penalities if they are found to be HIV positive. A significant rights violation is the placement of sex workers in some jurisdictions on “sex offender registry” lists that limits where they can live, work, and more. Read the full report.