A new law has been introduced in Belgium, making it the first country in Europe and the world to provide basic employment rights to sex workers. Prostitution was decriminalized in the summer of 2022, with around 30,000 people working in the industry since then. The law entitles sex workers to official employment contracts, health insurance, pensions, maternity leave, and sick days, similar to any other job. This groundbreaking legislation is a significant step towards recognizing and protecting the rights of individuals working in the sex industry.
In addition to providing basic employment rights, the law also ensures that sex workers are protected against job-related risks and imposes certain conditions on employers. Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, hailed the law as ‘radical’ and emphasized the importance of other countries following suit. For many sex workers, especially those who rely on the job as a necessity, the law comes as a welcome change. One mother-of-five and sex worker in Belgium shared her experience of having to work even while pregnant, emphasizing the need for maternity leave and other benefits.
Belgium joins a short list of countries where sex work has been decriminalized, with New Zealand being the first country to do so in 2003. The move towards decriminalization is seen as a response to the Covid pandemic, with the goal of providing better working conditions and rights to individuals in the industry. Despite the progress made with the new law in Belgium, challenges such as trafficking, exploitation, and abuse still persist. The National Bank of Belgium estimates that the ‘unobserved’ economy of the sex trade contributes to 0.5% of the country’s GDP, with Belgium being listed as a destination for victims of human trafficking from various countries.
While the new law in Belgium marks a significant advancement in protecting the rights of sex workers, there are still ongoing issues within the industry that need to be addressed. Trafficking, exploitation, and abuse of women continue to be prevalent, highlighting the need for further measures to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in the trade. The implementation of the law provides a foundation for improving working conditions and rights for sex workers, but more efforts are required to address the root causes of exploitation and trafficking within the industry. Continued collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and advocacy groups is crucial in tackling these challenges.
The global response to the new law in Belgium has been largely positive, with many recognizing it as a significant step towards improving the rights and protections of sex workers. Erin Kilbride’s statement that it is the best step seen anywhere in the world so far highlights the importance of similar measures being implemented in other countries. The move towards decriminalization and providing basic employment rights to sex workers reflects a growing awareness of the need to recognize the rights and dignity of individuals working in the industry. As more countries consider similar legislation, there is hope for a more equitable and just system for those engaged in sex work worldwide.
In conclusion, Belgium’s new law granting basic employment rights to sex workers marks a historic milestone in recognizing and protecting the rights of individuals in the industry. While challenges such as trafficking and exploitation persist, the implementation of the law represents a significant advancement towards ensuring better working conditions and rights for sex workers. The global response to the legislation has been positive, with many advocating for similar measures to be adopted in other countries. As the world continues to evolve in its approach to decriminalization and rights for sex workers, there is hope for a more equitable and just system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of those in the industry.
