Washington DC, 24 th of July 2012 Model of human rights protection of sex workers exposed to forced HIV/STI testing trough combination of court litigation and psycho-social support Hajdi Shterjova Simonovikj lawyer at NGO HOPS Skopje, Macedonia

 Sex workers rights in Macedonia  Hops’s experience  The police raid and after it  HOPS’s response  Developing the model of free legal aid combine with psychosocial support  Results, obsticles and challenges  Conclusion

SEX WORKERS RIGHTS IN MACEDONIA The Law stipulates that: - the “prostitution” is misdemeanor and it is subject of a fine - only those who are selling sex can be fined This makes sex workers very vulnerable and exposed to violation, discrimination, stigma -self-stigma -No trust in the system

HOPS’s experience with human rights breaches of SW - More then 12 years work with Sex workers on the open scene in Skopje, Macedonia - More than 7 years free legal aid for sex workers -Sex workers in Macedonia, almost never REPORT human rights violations -If decide to report, very often withdraw the case -Importance of raising awareness for reporting and litigate cases of human rights violations

THE POLICE RAID AND AFTER IT  23 Sex workers unlawfully ARRESTED and DETAIND  Tested on HIV/HCV without their consent  7 sex workers were CRIMINALY CHARGED  The MEDIA’s reaction

HOPS’s response  Mobilizing both national and international communities  Press releases  Documenting the case

Developing the model of legal and psychosocial support  Legal aid for sex works before the raid  Immidiate respond after the incident: -Forming a team of lawyer, outreach and social worker and psychologist -Importance of each role in motivation process -TWO civil litigation cases were filed before the national court by sex workers -Defending SW in criminal procedure lunched against them

 The results: -7 SW criminaly charged were not sent to prison -One of the civil cases –WON -More than 50% of detained and tested SW 3 years are litigating agaist state institutions  The Obsticles -Political and media presure -Long lasting court procedures  The chalenges -Involving the media in a positive way -Sustainability -Peer support and activism The results, obsticles and challenges

CONCLUSION Promoting the success of this model nationally and regionally, in order for organizations working with marginalized groups to adopt it in motivating them to report violence and use disposable mechanisms, including litigation. These positive outcomes will empower SWs in our country to seek justice

THANK YOU