Sex workers globally have a higher risk of HIV infection. By contrast, the risk in Switzerland is comparatively low. Nevertheless, sex workers often have inadequate access to healthcare services due to stigmatisation, discrimination and the criminalisation of migrants.

Although sex work is legal in Switzerland, sex workers continue to face legal, social and economic discrimination, such as when searching for housing, in the workplace or under family law. The majority are women from racial minorities who come from certain regions such as Eastern Europe, Latin America, West Africa, North Africa and Thailand. Trans people are also heavily represented. Many of these sex workers do not have Swiss citizenship, which is another reason why they face an increased risk of police brutality as well as sexual, sexist, transphobic and racist violence.

These factors contribute to many sex workers finding it difficult to access healthcare services. However, the right to health is of fundamental importance. Sex workers must have access to healthcare information, low-threshold healthcare services and support services should they experience violence. 

Together with its partner organisations, the Swiss AIDS Federation is championing the rights of sex workers and standing up against their stigmatisation. We are expressly against criminalising sex work (“Nordic model”). We materially support the right to health with low-threshold access to preventative and informational material. Furthermore, we provide organisational and networking platforms as well as professional training for people involved in our member organisations for sex workers.

More information in our brochure, «Clear rules, fair sex»: