Summary

On 22-27 July 2012, more than 30,000 people will gather in Washington, D.C. for the International AIDS Conference. As the largest global health and development conference ever, it provides unique opportunities to understand the critical intersection between protecting human rights and stopping HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, U.S. immigration law bars anyone who has “engaged in prostitution” from entering the country. Global sex workers have been denied participation in the IAC, making it difficult for the conference to truly represent communities at risk.

“A Call to Change U.S. Policy on Sex Work and HIV,” (PDF, 74K) was drafted by U.S. sex workers and advocates. In July, we will stand in solidarity with international sex workers, stand up to human rights violations, and stand for expanded access to treatment and prevention.

What you can do

Endorse the call: Join us in demanding that the U.S. Government reform laws and policies that harm sex workers domestically and globally, directly inhibiting the fight against HIV/AIDS. Your endorsement will help build a movement for change.

To endorse “A Call to Change U.S. Policy on Sex Work and HIV,” please send the following information to iac2012sexworkers@gmail.com:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Country
• Affiliation/Organization (if relevant)
• I am authorized to sign on behalf of the affiliate organization listed above so that it can be listed as endorsing the declaration: Yes/No
• Title/Role and Degrees (if relevant)
• Please indicate whether you are one of the following: Medical/services provider, Researcher, Government employee, Funder, Community member, or other.