MADRE Statements

Sex Worker Rights Speak-out and Arts Evening: Activists Call for End to Criminalization and Violence on International Human Rights Day

Posted on: Thursday, December 10, 2009

In conjunction with International Human Rights Day on December 10, a coalition of human rights, anti-violence, gender rights and sex worker rights organizations will hold a speak-out and arts event at NYU in the Great Room from 7-9pm. Featuring performance and visual art, photography, music, short videos, and speakers, the event will address police abuse, violence and other human rights abuses sex workers face as a result of criminalization and stigmatization.

"Sex workers and those perceived as sex workers often face violence, extortion, wrongful imprisonment, and other abuses at the hands of police, and this violates key articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," said event co-organizer Bhavana Nancherla, of SWOP-NYC.

The event precedes the annual December 17th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, an event that each year gains momentum globally and highlights growing movements that are calling for sex worker rights and dignity. In New York City, sex workers and their allies will mark the day with a gathering at the Metropolitan Community Church, at 446 W. 36th St. from 8-10 pm.

"Through creative artwork and organizing, sex workers and their allies are underscoring their current struggles for a recognition of their human and civil rights, and for an end to criminalization, violence, and stigma," said Lisa Davis, event co-organizer at MADRE.

What: Sex Worker Rights Speak-out and Arts Event on International Human Rights Day

When: December 10, 2009, 7pm-9pm

Where: New York University, 19 University Pl., in the Great Room

Sponsored by: Sex Workers Action Network (SWANK) * Sex Workers Organizing Project (SWOP-NYC) * MADRE * $pread Magazine * Best Practices Policy Project (BPPP) * Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) * WITNESS