On 25 might, 2017, NSWP users Red Umbrella Athens (Greece) and Hellenic Association of men and women coping with HIV “Positive Voice” organised a seminar on policy problems regarding intercourse work in Greece. It had been really effective. It had been the very first time this subject had been talked about by representatives from the federal federal federal government, political events, civil society, intercourse employees therefore the community that is scientific.

In line with the Greek sex work legislation adopted in 1999, intercourse tasks are appropriate but greatly controlled. Just intercourse work that develops in state-licensed brothels is appropriate. Street-based sex work and intercourse work that develops in accommodations is unlawful. Municipalities are permitted to figure out the quantity of licensed brothels. Brothels aren’t permitted within 200 meters of general general public structures, i.e. schools, churches, kindergartens, playgrounds, wellness clinics, hospitals, sport centers, libraries, squares and assisted living facilities. What this means is its impractical to have state-licensed brothel in almost any city that is greek.

In accordance with the Criminal Code Law 2734/1999, intercourse employees aren’t permitted to be hitched. They have to be solitary, divorced or even a widow. Intercourse workers are just permitted to work with three years and demand an amount of appropriate and documents that are medical work legitimately. For instance, they have to offer their appropriate identification, passport, residence licenses, HIV test outcomes, and an upper body X-Ray towards the government. The legislation demands mandatory medical assessment for STIs every 15 days, which can be one of many strictest regulations in eu. Additionally, the statutory law prohibits intercourse workers from working together.

Making use of a flat for intercourse work calls for the permission of the many residents plus the owners of the remainder flats. Finally, based on the intercourse work legislation, the assistant staff of brothels should always be more than 50 and really should have mandatory medical screening.

Every one of the speakers decided on the need to improve the existing appropriate framework that violates the legal rights of intercourse employees as outlined when you look at the NSWP Consensus Statement.

It really is noteworthy that the meeting had been organised aided by the formal help associated with the Greek Ministry of Interior and also the Minister. Panos Skourletis, utilizing the governmental celebration “Coalition regarding the Radical Left,” spoke of this need certainly to examine other legislative models on intercourse work.

Anna, agent of Red Umbrella Athens, described the solutions therefore the experiences associated with drop-in time center and stressed that the word “prostitution” is abusive and therefore it will never be utilized in any public discussion. Moreover, she shared her very own experience that is personal a intercourse worker, emphasising the necessity to recognise sex work as every other occupation.

“Unfortunately, nevertheless right here a lot of stakeholders see intercourse act as trafficking and in addition they offer the model that is nordic” said Maria from Red Umbrella Greece.

Thierry Schaffauser through the “International Committee from the Rights of Sex Workers in European countries (ICRSE)” spoke concerning the various policy models implemented in France, Sweden, Holland, and brand brand brand New Zealand. He spoke about how precisely criminalisation is really a breach of intercourse employees human being legal rights. He earnestly took part in the seminar and talked out against statements arguing that intercourse workers are just women and victims of ukrainian bride rape trafficking and that there’s no necessity to share their liberties.

Trajche Janushev, the chairperson of SWAN’s Management Committee, centered on guidelines therefore the successes of SWAN. Ms Duif, the Secretary regarding the Board and appropriate consultant for PROUD (Dutch Sex Workers Union), and Ms Luhrs, the seat individual associated with Board and press officer for PROUD, delivered the Dutch model on intercourse work policy. They highlighted the significance of meaningfully sex that is including in the introduction of legislation and policies about sex work.

Finally, of specific interest had been the conversation associated with the six users and representatives regarding the parliamentary events whom had been present. They unanimously supported the necessity to modernise the framework that is legal. The member that is‘SYRIZA’ of and previous Minister of Justice Nikos Paraskevopoulos, argued that their state should respect the proper of intercourse employees to self-determination.

“One of y our priorities would be to carry on increasing the force for changes in legislation in support of intercourse employees,” concluded Maria.