GENEVA, Switzerland – Free Speech Coalition Industry Relations Advocate Lotus Lain will testify on the subject of sex worker rights at a hearing of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, FSC has announced.
The Human Rights Committee is an independent body that monitors the implementation of civil and political rights among UN member states. Specifically, the body oversees implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by States that are party to the agreement.
According to FSC, Lain’s testimony at the 139th session of the HRC will take place on October 17, during the body’s review of the United States’ human rights record.
“The ICCPR hearing is an opportunity for us to elevate the issues that face sex workers in the United States and elsewhere,” said Lain. “Sex worker rights are human rights, and being present and testifying on behalf of our industry, and the sex industry as a whole is a way to bring attention and scrutiny to the discriminatory laws and practices in the United States. This is an unprecedented opportunity, and I couldn’t be prouder to represent our community.”
FSC noted Lain’s testimony will mark the first time the FSC has been represented at the UN. Lain will be joined by sex worker activist Lorelei Lee, of the Cornell Gender Justice Clinic and the Disabled Sex Workers Coalition, as well as Laura LeMoon of Sex Workers & Survivors United. Lain will also be speaking on behalf of DecrimSWCA.
The ICCPR’s 139th session began on October 9 and runs through November 3. Other states’ human rights reports being considered during the session include Haiti, Iran, Kuwait, Republic of Korea, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. According to a program published by the ICCPR, Lain, Lee and LeMoon will give their testimony when the Committee has concluded its consideration of the State report from Kuwait.
