Sex Work, Migration, Exploitation and Trafficking in Europe

Sex workers face high levels of violence and exploitation and are a community at risk of trafficking. Despite a high focus from legislators, policymakers and funders on trafficking for sexual exploitation, sex workers and their organisations are rarely included in anti-trafficking responses. Community-led organizations are key to tackling exploitation, but far too often are lacking the resources and recognition they deserve and need.

The International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe, a European network of 100 organisations working with sex workers has been advocating for the promotion of sex workers inclusive anti-trafficking policies. Between 2018-2020 ICRSE implemented a collaborative project with 12 sex workers organisations in 10 European countries to empower migrant sex workers to address exploitation and trafficking in the sex industry and advocate for the inclusion of sex workers in anti-trafficking mechanisms. In this webinar, ICRSE, its members, researchers and anti-trafficking experts will exchange their understanding of exploitation and trafficking, the current impact of anti-trafficking policies in Europe and the critical role of sex workers’ organisations in addressing root causes of vulnerabilities and ensuring victims have access to justice.