Annual Report 2017

15 January 2018 – Download CAP Intl’s Annual Report 2017.

Press statement: CAP international and its Swedish member organisation Talita welcome Swedish move towards the criminalisation of sex purchase abroad

Press statement: This morning, the Government of Sweden presented a law aimed at criminalising the purchase of sex abroad.

This decision demonstrates again Sweden’s consistency and determination in the fight against prostitution and its exploitation.

“With this law, Sweden signals its continuing commitment to a more equal society for Swedes, while also increasing efforts to achieve a world free from prostitution” said Sarah Benson, chair of CAP international. She added: “Extending the prohibition of the purchase of sex for its own citizens abroad is a clear contribution to the efforts to decrease sexual exploitation of marginalised women and girls in third countries. This move by Sweden creates a valuable opportunity for all countries to reflect on the importance of harmonising legislations towards the universal abolition of the prostitution system“.

“The Swedish legislation says that we cannot achieve an equal society when individuals in general, and women and children in particular, can be bought and sold. This should apply to all individuals, regardless of where they find themselves in the world. Talita sees this law as absolutely necessary in achieving the society – both nationally and globally – that Sweden strives towards. We are proud that the Swedish government has taken this historic step,” said Talita Project Manager Meghan Donevan.

Since the historic adoption of the Swedish legislation in 1999, more and more countries have adopted abolitionist legislation. The ongoing spread of this “Nordic Model” is the most effective way to disrupt the inherently exploitative and extremely lucrative prostitution market.

CAP international, Talita and all 23 member organisations of CAP intl in 18 countries commend the great efforts of Swedish feminist NGOs and decision makers who have contributed to the presentation of this bill and strongly support its quick adoption.

Date: 7 December, 2017

Contact:
Zala Žbogar
zala@cap-international.org
+32 485 251 560

CAP Intl facilitates meeting with Yazidi survivor of sexual slavery Nadia Murad and French President Emmanuel Macron

On 16 October 2017, CAP Intl was proud to facilitate a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Yazidi survivor of sexual slavery and UNODC Goodwill Ambassador Nadia Murad Bassee. The French president expressed strong and concrete support.

Read the official press statement from the President’s office: http://www.elysee.fr/communiques-de-presse/article/entretien-du-president-de-la-republique-avec-nadia-murad/

Read the official statement from Yazda NGO: https://www.yazda.org/nadia-murad-yazda-met-today-the-president-france-mr-emmanuel-macron/

EU: CAP Intl calls on EU 28 Member States to follow Nordic Model

On 21 November, CAP Intl was invited by European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans to speak during a high-level colloquium on women’s rights.

We urged the EU to harmonise its 28 Member States’ domestic legislation by adhering to the Nordic Model, decriminalising victims of prostitution, criminalising exploiters, namely pimps, brothel-owners and sex buyers, and increasing support for exit options.

Watch our analysis and recommendations, as well as other panelists’ contributions.

CAP Intl participates: South Africa advocacy visit

On the invitation of its member organisation, Embrace Dignity, and in cooperation with the Swedish Ambassador at large for combatting trafficking in human beings, Per-Anders Sunesson, CAP international visited Cape Town from the 17th to the 20th of October.

CAP intl and Embrace Dignity met and worked with seven members of the two chambers of South African Parliament, from the majority and the opposition. Embrace Dignity also facilitated a strategic meeting with its team, survivors of prostitution and two Ambassadors (from Sweden and Ireland).

Lithuania: domestic advocacy support to abolitionist coalition

From 3-5 October 2017, CAP Intl participated in advocacy activities in Lithuania aimed at contributing to a growing and powerful abolitionist alliance of NGOs and Members of Parliament in the country.

This included meetings with Members of Parliament such as MP Dovilė Šakalienė, frontline organisations providing support to victims of prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation including Centras KOPŽI, Klaipeda Social and Psychological Services Center, and Missing Persons Families Support Center.

CAP Intl was represented by Iluta Lace, member of the Board and founder of MARTA Center, a frontline organisation based in Latvia, as well as by Gregoire Thery, Executive Director.

CAP Intl also participated in a consultation organised by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) on protecting victims of trafficking in the EU.

Media coverage

• Three national TV interviews
• 15min.lt, Pritrenkiantis iš prostitucijos moteris gelbėjančio prancūzo pasakojimas: ar numanote, kas yra juodasis lietutis?, 5 October 2017

• Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament), Seimo narės Dovilės Šakalienės pranešimas: „Nevyriausybinės organizacijos, ekspertai ir politikai vienijasi Abolicionizmo kampanijai“, 5 October 2017

• Alfa.lt, Ekspertas iš užsienio išvardijo prostitucijos legalizavimo klaidas: nėra „gero prostitučių gyvenimo“, 4 October 2017
• Delfi, Požiūrį į prostituciją siūlo keisti radikaliai: laikas bausti tikruosius kaltininkus, 3 October 2017
• Delfi, D. Šakalienė. Prostitucijos spindesys ir skurdas, 7 October 2017
• 15min.lt, Metas į prostituciją pažvelgti kitaip: „Prostitucija – tarsi parengiamoji klasė prekybai žmonėmis“

Sweden: CAP Intl participates in conferences on Swedish sex purchase law

Malmö: Conference on Swedish sex purchase law organised by Member of European Parliament

Stockholm: Conference on the sex trade organised by Talita, CAP Intl member in Sweden

VIDEO: In the UK, female trade unionists stand against the system of prostitution

In September 2017, several female representatives gave powerful statements on their trade unions’ analysis of the system of prostitution in the UK during the TUC Congress.

Their message: prostitution cannot be considered decent work.

These statements were backed by a recent decision of the UK Trade Union Congress’ Women’s Conference to support the abolitionist Nordic Model on prostitution. The delegates highlighted the importance of respecting and listening to women’s representation and structures within the trade union movement.

British trade unions overwhelmingly rejected a motion proposed by ASLEF, a male-dominated train drivers’ union, to fully decriminalize the sex industry, including pimps, brothel owners and sex buyers, during the Trade Union Congress.

CAP Intl is coordinating an international campaign to identify and mobilise abolitionist trade unions. For more information, read about our decent work campaign or email us at contact@cap-international.org!

Publication: About CAP Intl- introduction, analysis of the system of prostitution, and actions to abolish it

Recently, the Women’s Human Rights Institute of Korea (WHRIK) commissioned CAP International to write a paper introducing the coalition, its analysis of the system of prostitution and actions to abolish it.

Download the publication in English and Korean.

CAP Intl facilitates meeting with Yazidi survivor of sexual slavery Nadia Murad and French Foreign Minister

On 1 September 2017, Yazidi survivor of sexual slavery, UNODC Goodwill Ambassador and Sakharov Prize winner Nadia Murad met with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. The meeting was facilitated by CAP International.