The European Parliament has voted in favour of the ‘Nordic model’ of tackling sexual exploitation, which criminalises the purchase of sex and legalises the selling of sex. The vote backed a report by the European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality. The report puts forward that prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation are fundamental violations of women’s human rights and forms of violence against women, which have a negative impact on gender equality.

Poverty and economic problems are forcing more girls and women into prostitution across Europe. The Members of the European Parliament call for measures to reduce prostitution by criminalising sex buyers, Europe wide awareness raising campaigns and prevention strategies, especially for socially excluded, vulnerable and poor persons.

The majority of people who are in prostitution or trafficked for sexual exploitation are members of marginalised and impoverished communities. Roma women and children are particularly vulnerable due to situations of extreme poverty. As part of the Turn off the Red Light Campaign, Pavee Point believes that preventing the purchase of sex is a vital step toward protecting vulnerable Roma and Traveller women and girls from sexual exploitation.

The ‘Nordic model’ was recently voted by the French Parliament. Northern Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany are also considering adopting the model. Pavee Point calls for the Irish Government to act on introducing similar legislation as a matter of urgency, as recommended by the Oireachtas Justice Committee in 2013.

European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Sexual Exploitation and Prostitution and its Impact on Gender Equality

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2014/493040/IPOL-FEMM_ET(2014)493040_EN.pdf

For more information, please contact Laura Pohjolainen laura.pohjolainen@pavee.ie or call 01 8780255.