In June 2021, the OSCE released the important report Discouraging the Demand that Fosters Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation. Unlike similar reports from intergovernmental organizations, this report places a stronger emphasis on demand as a root cause of sexual exploitation. Notably, RealStars’ campaign For Fair Sex is highlighted in the section on Sweden.
The report underscores legislation against purchasing “sex” as a key measure to reduce the significant demand. Although few countries have criminalized the purchase of “sex,” an increasing number are following Sweden’s lead by adopting the Nordic model’s sex purchase law. However, many countries, like Finland, still have limited legislation that only prohibits purchasing “sex” from victims of human trafficking.
This limited legal framework is difficult to enforce, with Finland seeing few predators convicted. The OSCE’s recognition that this legislative compromise is inadequate is an important step forward, as determining whether an individual is a victim of trafficking or other forms of exploitation is often challenging.
”From the victim’s perspective, a user’s lack of knowledge does not mitigate the fact the user is having non-consensual sex with the victim”
The OSCE now urges countries to criminalize the purchase of “sex” based on the Nordic model, particularly emphasizing the Swedish approach. According to the Swedish model, criminalization is based on the fact that the individuals involved in prostitution are in a vulnerable position, and thus the act constitutes a form of violence against women. It prohibits all forms of sex purchases that facilitate exploitation, particularly trafficking for profit. This is in accordance with Article 9(5) of the Palermo Protocol, which requires states to take action against any demand that promotes the exploitation of trafficking victims.
The report goes further by highlighting the role of online platforms, so-called “digital brothels,” in facilitating the demand for “sex” purchases. (In this context, the shutdown of Backpage in the U.S. is cited as a key precedent.) Therefore, the OSCE advocates for states to limit access to these websites for those seeking to purchase “sex”—i.e., commit paid assaults—and to penalize third parties, such as website owners, who enable the sex trade to continue. Much like RealStars and Child10’s 2020 campaign Hyrflickvän (Rent a Girlfriend), which brought attention to sugar dating as a glamorized form of prostitution, the OSCE also underscores the importance of other ways to target predators online, such as sugar dating.
”A major advantage of (such) online methods is that they can very accurately reach buyers at the moment they are attempting to engage in the behavior whose deterrence is being targeted”
In this positive light, we are pleased that the OSCE has recognized RealStars’ work, including the For Fair Sex campaign, as an effective initiative to combat the demand for purchasing “sex,” target predators, and influence policymakers to take a stand against demand. Scandic Hotels’ efforts to train staff to recognize signs of “sex” purchases are also acknowledged as a proactive step toward reducing demand.
Recognizing demand as a fundamental cause of sexual exploitation is a significant step forward. You can read the full report here.