We live in a society where services are bought and sold. My work, sex work (both on and offline) is one of these services. Providing sexual services should not be criminalised. We condemn the hypocrisy within our societies where our services are used but our profession or businesses are made illegal. This legislation results in abuse and lack of control over our work and lives. Sex workers should not be perceived purely as victims to be assisted, criminals to be arrested or targets for public health interventions – we are part of society, with needs and aspirations, who have the potential to make a real and valuable contribution to our communities. We oppose the criminalisation of sex workers, their partners, clients, managers, and everyone else working in sex work. Such criminalisation denies sex workers of equal protection of the law. This includes the right to form and join professional associations and unions that protect us both on and offline. The right to work, to choose one’s work, and to fair and safe working conditions are fundamental human rights. - Aja Jacques with Adam Broomberg and Segolene Hutter.
