Our aim.
The International Union of Sex Workers (IUSW) campaigns for the human, civil and labour rights of those who work in the sex industry. This position is based on the principle that everyone should have equal freedom to choose how they earn their living and freedom to choose what they do with their own body. The IUSW is based on a practice of sex workers' self organisation and works to improve working conditions in the sex industry; for the rights and recognition of workers; the right to change work and not to be forced to stay with the same employer and the right to stay and not to be deported.

Our objectives.

• To campaign, advocate and lobby for sex workers' rights and law reform
• To raise awareness of sex work as work
• To empower sex workers and promote the self organisation and unionisation of sex workers
• To celebrate pride and fight stigma
• To encourage networking within the sex industry and decrease isolation

Sex workers rights.
There is nothing inherently exploitative or degrading about consensual sexual behaviour regardless of its motivation. Adults possess the civil rights to go where they please, work as they choose and have sex for any reason. These rights are enshrined in law for everyone and should not be denied to sex workers. Therefore we call for the complete decriminalisation of the sex industry, for the benefit of both those involved in the industry, whether as service providers or consumers, and the communities of which they are a part.

Sex work is legitimate work and problems within the industry are not inherent in the work itself. It is vulnerability and illegality that creates victims, not sex work. Sex workers are entitled to enjoy the same labour rights as other workers and the same human rights as other people. Workers within the industry must have the ability to negotiate their terms and conditions of employment to reduce social stigma and promote the empowerment of sex workers and their clients. We are opposed to exploitation: improved rights for disempowered people will benefit those most in need.

All workers including sex workers have the right to:

• full protection of all existing laws, regardless of the context and without discrimination. These include all laws relating to harassment, violence, threats, intimidation, health and safety and theft.
• access the full range of employment, contract and property laws.
• participate in and leave the sex industry without stigma
• full and voluntary access to non-discriminatory health checks and medical advice

Sex work without apology.
The IUSW advocates the decriminalisation of sex work and the repeal of all laws related to the exchange of sex for money. Sexual behaviour between consenting adults requires no regulation by the state. If an activity is legal, it is legal regardless of the motivation for doing it. Where violence, extortion and other criminal activities exist in the sex industry, these acts can be addressed by existing laws against rape, assault, kidnapping etc. The sex industry should not be treated differently from any other area of commercial endeavour.

There are many problems in the sex industry – including violence, trafficking, drug and child abuse – but they are not inherent to the industry itself, occurring within society as a whole. Many are caused or worsened by the unclear legal position that means workers may not report crimes to the police, fearing themselves vulnerable to arrest or discrimination.

The irregular movement of people across borders or 'trafficking' is a complex and emotive issue. Irregular labour migration occurs in many industries such as agriculture, hospitality, domestic service and the sex industry. Due to increased border controls, visa regulations and racist immigration policies many people are trapped in debt bondage and forced labour conditions. Debt bondage is illegal in international law and is considered a modern form of slavery. Defining sex work as work would allow such individuals the protection of labour rights law.

Sexual abuse of children, whether for pleasure or for financial gain, is a crime and has no place within the sex industry or society as a whole. Increasing the openness and social acceptance of sex work will create a climate in which it is harder for abusers to conceal their abuse, more likely that other workers in the sex industry will report suspicions to the authorities and easier for victims to access appropriate support.

Although drug use is common it is only drug use by sex workers, which is seen as having a causal relationship with their occupation. Criminalisation of the sex industry makes those within it more vulnerable to both criminal exploitation and the pressure of social disapproval. Increasing the social acceptance of sex work will create a climate in which it is harder for the drugs industry to capitalise on sex workers' marginalisation and make it easier for those who want help to get the support and recourses they need.

The current organisation of the sex industry presents many problems for the workers involved and for the communities within which the sex industry operates. Workers in the industry are almost exclusively blamed for the problems created. Improving the legal framework and the self-organisation of sex workers enables us to negotiate with our communities to the benefit of all parties involved. Recognising both the rights and the responsibilities of sex workers is the only way forward.

IUSW
July 2007