Are sex workers rights human rights? Bjørg Norli Praha

Pro Sentret A service centre for sex workers since 1983 –Health clinic –Social welfare/case work/counselling –Drop-in centre –Outreach work –Legal assistance A national centre of expertise on prostitution since staff members + volunteers Financed by the municipality of Oslo and the Norwegian government (various governmental ministries)

Legal framework Law on penalty (Penal Code) § 257 prohibition of trafficking in persons § 315 prohibition of the promotion of prostitution § 316 ban on purchasing sexual services Other legislation that impact sex workers The Immigration Act Taxation law & Work Environment Act The police Act and local decrees

”Chrushing” the market Preventative policing and stress methods Forced eviction Discriminatory targeting of migrants Surveillance and monitoring Police stops Condoms as evidence Anti-trafficking operations Violence and barriers to reporting to the police Stigma and discrimination

Human rights violations The right to housing The right to security of person The right to equal protection of the law The right to non discrimination The right to health The right to privacy

Conclusion Sex workers rights are human rights. But some humans rights are obviously more important than sex workers rights Thus gross violations of the fundamental human rights of people selling sex in Norway takes place.