The European Women’s Lobby was joined by a coalition of 53 MEPs last week to call for an end to what they describe as “an obstacle to equality between women and men and a violation of human rights”.

This obstacle is prostitution and the EWL’s campaign, ‘Together for a Europe Free from Prostitution’ has so far attracted the support of around 200 organisations in 32 countries since launching in December 2012. EWL has stressed that it does not mean to criminalise sex workers, but is instead calling on EU member states to crack down on those who enable prostitution: pimps, traffickers – and clients.

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“We believe that, for the overwhelming majority, women don’t choose prostitution,” says Pierrette Pape, Campaign Coordinator for the EWL. “Otherwise why would one need, even in countries where prostitution is legalised, exit strategies?

“You don’t need an exit programme for bankers, teachers or policemen, [so] why would you need it if being a prostitute is just a job like any other?”

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http://www.equaltimes.org/news/womens-ngo-lobbies-for-a-prostitution-free-europe