Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

This report considers the denial of sex workers’ enjoyment of the right to health that results from the criminalization of sex work and related practices (such as solicitation). Impacts on the right to health are discussed along with issues particular to sex work. Specifically, the failure of legal recognition of the sex-work sector results in infringements of the right to health, through the failure to provide safe working conditions, and a lack of recourse to legal remedies for occupational health issues. Additionally, the distinction between sex work and trafficking is considered, in particular with respect to legislation and interventions that, by failing to distinguish between these groups, are increasingly infringing sex workers’ right to health.

HR Council.pdf