A coalition of charitable organizations has raised concerns over the actions of the French police, alleging a targeted crackdown on sex workers in Paris leading up to the Olympics. In a joint report issued by 17 non-governmental groups specializing in support for sex workers, a consensus emerged regarding heightened repression and shifts in police tactics.
The report denounces what it terms a 'repression-first' approach by law enforcement, highlighting its detrimental impact on the safety and well-being of individuals engaged in sex work. Charitable groups operating in key areas such as the Boulogne and Vincennes woods report escalated police presence preceding the Games, accompanied by aggressive identity checks on sex workers.
These organizations urge authorities to redirect their focus towards combatting criminal enterprises responsible for exploiting, assaulting, and victimizing sex workers. They emphasize the need to address the root causes of vulnerability and harm, rather than exacerbating the marginalization of already marginalized communities.
Since the enactment of a 2016 law criminalizing the purchase of sexual services in France, concerns have intensified regarding the treatment of sex workers and the potential impact of such legislation. With the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games raising apprehensions about a surge in prostitution, the charities dispute this narrative, asserting that rising accommodation costs in Paris are forcing sex workers to seek employment elsewhere.
In light of these findings, the coalition calls for a shift in policing strategies and a reevaluation of policies that perpetuate harm and stigma against sex workers. It underscores the importance of adopting holistic approaches that prioritize the rights, safety, and dignity of all individuals involved in the sex industry.