International Sex Workers Day 2022: Know History, Significance Of The Day
The Supreme Court recently recognised prostitution as a profession and said sex workers should not be arrested, penalised or harassed through raids on brothels as voluntary sex work is not illegal.
New Delhi: Every year, International Sex Workers' Day is observed on June 2 to create awareness about the issues faced by sex worker and protect their basic human rights. It is the day to hounour sex worker across the world and focus on various issues including abuse and victimisation. Often described as the oldest profession in the world, those engaging in sex work continue to face hardships and humiliation. They continue to face criminalisation, violence, discrimination and other forms of human rights violations that also increase their risk of acquiring HIV.
India’s landmark judgement
In a recent verdict, the Supreme Court recognised prostitution as a profession and said sex workers should be treated with decency and dignity, and the police should not interfere or take any criminal action when an adult engages in consensual sex work.
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In its order, the top court said sex workers should not be arrested, penalised or harassed through raids on brothels because voluntary sex work is not illegal and only running the brothel is unlawful. The three-judge Bench led by Justice L Nageswara Rao directed in an order which was passed after invoking special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
A child of a sex worker should not be separated from the mother merely on the ground that she is in the sex trade, the court pronounced. “Basic protection of human decency and dignity extends to sex workers and their children,” the court noted.
History of International Sex Workers' Day
Launched in 1975 on June 2, the movement witnessed nearly 100 sex workers occupying the Saint-Nizier Church in Lyon. The women staged protest in the church for eight days demanding an end to police discrimination against sex work and asking for decent working conditions. The increase in violence against sex workers triggered the movement where they tried to press for their rights.
Other sex workers in different parts of France occupied churches including Paris, Marseille, Grenoble, Saint-Étienne and Montpellier.
Even as sex workers garnered support from political, union and feminist organisations, including the priest of the church in Lyon, the police succeeded in removing the occupiers from the church on the government ordere. There was no legislation or reform initiated but it ignited the rights movement in Europe and the UK.
Significance of the day
On this day, sex worker rights activists work with allies and coalitions to shape concrete policy recommendations to be implemented at local, national, and international levels. Various initiatives are taken to ensure their safety and end discrimination, exploitation, and poverty that are part of their daily life. Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) focuses on the theme of Access to Justice when commemorating International Sex Workers' Day. Also, International Sex Worker Rights Day is also observed on 3rd March every year.
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