It is time for Canada to re-commit to the global project of ending HIV, including by basing our response on sound scientific evidence and fundamental human rights principles.
Publication Topic : Sex Work
An open letter to the foreign participants of the 5th Eastern Europe and Central Asia AIDS Conference
“We, activists and representatives of the key populations affected by HIV and non-governmental organizations working in the field of combating the HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) and other countries, with this open letter would like to express our concern in anticipation of your expected participation in the 5th Eastern Europe and … Read more
Election 2015: Bill C-36 and sex workers’ rights — Canada’s major federal parties respond
This is the third in a series of blog posts being published by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network ahead of Election Day on October 19, 2015. Recently, we sent a questionnaire to the five major federal parties, asking their position on key questions related to HIV and human rights. Four out of five parties responded. … Read more
Election 2015: Keeping HIV and Human Rights on the Agenda
On October 19, 2015, Canada’s voters have an opportunity to decide what kind of government they want — one that has regard for evidence and upholds health and human rights for all, or one that perpetuates outmoded and ill-informed policies
Ontario turning its back on sex workers – Statement
While Ontario Attorney General Madeleine Meilleur has not yet publicly released her review of Canada’s new, misguided sex work law, we understand – according to a reported statement today by Premier Kathleen Wynne – that this review has found “no clear unconstitutionality” in the socalled Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act. We disagree with … Read more
Sex Workers, Unite! (Litigating for Sex Workers’ Freedom of Association in Russia)
The existing legal framework in Russia makes sex work and related activities punishable offenses, leaving sex workers stigmatized, vulnerable to violence, and disproportionally affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In light of international human rights standards, in particular the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, we examine in this paper whether … Read more
Advocates call on provincial leaders to resist deadly law, end violence against sex workers
This was released at today’s press conference re: the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Click here to read Richard Elliott’s remarks.
Letter from the legal community to Ontario Premier and Attorney General re: Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act
Today, on the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, sex workers and their allies will send a strong message to Canada’s provincial leaders: Reject the federal government’s toxic new law governing sex work, and do not enforce the law while its constitutionality remains in question. 190 legal experts in Canada have signed a … Read more
Media Advisory: At Queen’s Park, sex workers and allies demand action from provincial leaders
On December 17, the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, sex workers and their allies will be calling on Canada’s provincial leaders to take action. Sex Professionals of Canada (SPOC), Maggie’s — Toronto Sex Workers’ Action Project, the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, COUNTERfit Women’s Harm Reduction Program (South Riverdale Community Health Centre), and … Read more
Letter to Canadian premiers re: Bill C-36
“We are deeply concerned with the new criminal provisions introduced by the so-called Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act,