The World congresses

The inaugural CAP International Abolitionist Congress was held at the French Parliament in Paris, attracting over 200 delegates from 24 countries. Survivors of prostitution, decision-makers, representatives of Indigenous and marginalised communities, NGOs, and trade unions joined forces to condemn the exploitation of society’s most vulnerable groups through prostitution.

The congress culminated in the launch of the Call of Parliamentarians for the Abolition of Prostitution, signed by seven Members of Parliament from five different countries, advocating for change at the legislative level.

The second World Congress Against the Sexual Exploitation of Women & Girls was held in January 2017 in New Delhi, India, under the theme The Last Girl First. This three-day event gathered 400 representatives from civil society, leaders, and decision-makers from 30 countries across five continents. The focus was on amplifying the voices of the most marginalised and ensuring that their needs and experiences drive the abolitionist agenda.

The third World Congress attracted a diverse and dynamic group of over 400 activists, including German feminists, from around 30 countries. The event was preceded by a historic 200-kilometers International Survivors’ March from France to Germany, led by French survivor Rosen Hicher, in partnership with German and international survivors.

During the congress, an abolitionist manifesto, the Mainzer Erklärung, was launched and signed by over 1,000 NGOs and individuals. This influential statement contributed to the advocacy efforts of women leaders within the Social Democratic Party of Germany calling for the adoption of the Abolitionist Model in Germany, the recognition of prostitution as a violence against women and the inclusion of these provisions in their party’s programme. 

The fourth World Congress for the Abolition of Prostitution, titled Equality in Action, took place in Montreal, bringing together over 400 participants from 35 countries. The event opened with a World Survivors’ March and prominently featured the voices of Indigenous women from Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.

Marking CAP International's 10th anniversary, the congress also saw the release of the Montreal Call for the Abolition of Prostitution, which was signed by 65 organisations, reinforcing global commitment to the abolitionist cause.