Sex workers and activists from 13 Asia-Pacific countries called last weekend for legalization of prostitution as a way to raise working standards.

Delegates to the International Seminar of Sex Workers in Asia and the Pacific, held in Bangkok, argued that laws banning prostitution leave sex workers no means to redress employer exploitation. Legalization would ensure prostitutes receive a minimum wage, overtime pay and vacation days, the delegates said (Aphaluck Bhatiasevi, Bangkok Post, 19 Nov).

Some Thai participants also argued the Thai government should establish welfare and disease education programs for sex workers, to be funded by tourist revenues and fines on sex establishments (Aphaluck Bhatiasevi, Bangkok Post, 20 Nov).

All of the participants also supported measures that would end social and legal discrimination. "We decided to work together to change people's attitudes and make them realize that sex work is an economic and social issue, not a criminal or moral issue," said Chanthavipa Aphisuk of the Bangkok-based rights group Empower. She said criminalization of prostitution means sex workers are too often "controlled by their employer rather than them having opportunities in society."

Sex workers in the poorest Asian countries, such as Laos and Myanmar, lack access to condoms or basic medical care. "It's not easy to be a sex worker. Sometimes you get beaten up and the pimps take your money, but hopefully with the sharing here, we can come up with some solutions," said one sex worker during the conference (Agence France-Presse/Singapore Straits Times, 19 Nov).

Before departing, the participants expressed hope they could establish a regional group to exchange advice and provide support (William Barnes, South China Morning Post, 20 Nov).