Human Trafficking Law Mexico Changes and setbacks in Sex Work

Is Sex Work a crime in Mexico? No, in Mexico Sex Work is considered a misdemeanour/minor offence, that is penalized with fines or prision time. Several neighbour complaints are required in order to have a police mobilization or to get a Sex Worker removed. It is not regulated which creates a legal vacuum that makes easier for police extorsion and institutional violence.

Before the Human Trafficking law We worked in building an environment for safe work, free of stigma, discrimination, extorsion and institutionalized violence. We colaborated with the government in projects for our development and for HIV and other STDs. We worked training our peers as Health promoters. We advocated for the formation of new community based groups and civil organizations by people working in sex work. We signed agreements with the Health Secretariat in orden to improve access to holistic health. We took part on decision making round tables, all by us and for us.

Law to prevent human trafficking México, 27 of November, 2007 First modification, 14 of June, 2012 Last modification, 14 of February, 2014

After the Human Trafficking law There are sanctions to anyone who benefits from third party sexual explotation. By third parties it means: Hotels, bars, massage parlors, brothels and others that may indirectally benefit from sex explotation sex work When victim rescue raids occur, condoms are use as evidence of prostitution and sexual explotation. This is a grave setback in the prevention of HIV and other STIs.

To be organized and have leaders who defend our rights is now Human Traffic, such is the case of Alejandra Gil whom is violently called the Madame of Sullivan, sentenced to 15 years. At least 15 more women are currently in jail due to this law. To request safe transport services such as a registered and trusted taxi service, that is too sex exploitation. We are victims of extorsion by organized criminal groups. They demand daily quotas in order to let us work, they threat will kill us if we dont pay. Health promotion among peers at our workplace is considered prostitution facilitation. Which in turn disrupt our work in HIV and STI prevention.

Solution Review and modify the human trafficking law, differentiating between SEX WORK and HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Re-evaluation and regularization of Sex Work, as an efectivo meassure to decrease Human Trafficking and sexual exploitation. The SEX WORKERS are against Human Trafficking.

Sex Work is work. All for US by US. Cynthia Navarrete APROASE / PLAPERTS aproase@gmail.com consejoplaperts@gmail.com