Amnesty International vote to protect sex workers

Amnesty International has voted to support the decriminalization of prostitution.

At their International Council Meeting in Dublin earlier delegates voted to establish a policy aimed at protecting sex workers.

Our proposed policy on protecting #HumanRights of sex workers - here's what you need to know: http://t.co/FKxExT5hTP pic.twitter.com/mRVWLD7AyA

— Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) August 11, 2015

They also recommended that they support the full decriminalization of all aspects of sex work.

They say that they recognise that it's a complex issue, but say it's also a critical human rights issue internationally.

The Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland has welcomed the decision.

Spokesperson Kate McGrew says under current laws, Irish sex workers who have been the victims of crime are afraid to report it.

She said: "It’s more likely to happen if people know that we are alone, or if people know that we won’t report to the police, because we don’t want to be kicked out of our houses, we don’t want to be under police surveillance or we don’t want to have children taken away from us."