Taking a historic step, Belgium has legalized the rights of sex workers. Now prostitution will be treated like any other profession. Sex workers will get benefits like health insurance, pension, maternity leave. This law is an important step towards solving exploitation and inequality.
Belgium has recently taken a historic step by legalizing the rights of sex workers. With this step, prostitution will now be treated like any other profession. Sex workers will get other benefits of employment.
Like other employees, they will also be entitled to health insurance, pension, maternity leave and sick leave. This law will not only provide legal protection to sex workers, but will also try to solve issues like exploitation and inequality. Belgium is the first country in the world to recognize the rights of sex workers.
Steps taken towards giving rights to sex workers
This new law not only provides legal protection to sex workers, but it also gives them employment benefits. For example, they will get benefits like official contracts, pension and health insurance. This decision is the result of the struggle of Victoria and other advocates, President of ‘UTSOPI’ (Beltium Union of Sex Workers).
Victoria has played an important role in this fight for the rights of sex workers. He believes that prostitution is not just a labour, but it is also a social service, through which sexual crimes in the society are reduced.
Impact of 2022 protests
The change comes after protests broke out in Belgium in 2022 after sex workers received no help from the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. This protest forced the Belgian government to consider recognizing rights for sex workers.
This change has been possible because of prominent advocates like Victoria, who fought tirelessly to improve the working conditions of sex workers.
Situation of sex workers in Belgium
The situation of sex workers in Belgium is bad. Sex workers face unsafe conditions while working. Sometimes the police also harass them. Victoria told from her personal experiences how she once became a victim of rape. The police also did not help.
A police officer said during this time that sex workers “cannot be raped”. This incident shook Victoria from within. It highlights that sex workers are often treated unequally and exploited in society.
appreciation of human rights organizations
This new law is being considered a big step for the safety and rights of sex workers globally. Erin Kilbride of Human Rights Watch called it a great step towards protection for sex workers. With this law, Belgium has proven that the rights of sex workers should not only be recognized but also respected.
Big issue of human trafficking
Human trafficking is a big issue in Belgium. According to the United Nations, Belgium ranks first in human trafficking. Despite this law, people from many countries come here to become victims of trafficking. Among them, a large number of victims are from Bulgaria, Romania, Morocco, Tunisia and China. This issue still remains a challenge for Belgium.
