The Olympics and Trafficking: Myths and Evidence, 25th Jan

Date: Wednesday 25 January 2012
Time: 5:45 pm
Venue: John Snow, LSHTM, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK

Speaker(s): Julie Ham, GAATW, Marlise Richter, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Joanna Busza, LSHTM

Abstract: In the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games, concerns have been raised about the possibility of an increase in trafficking for sexual exploitation linked to the event. Similar rumours were circulated prior to other international sporting events, including the World Cup in Germany and South Africa, the Olympics in Athens and Vancouver, and the US Super Bowl. Yet once the fans go home, the media loses interest, and little is heard about the consistent lack of evidence for any rise in sex trafficking.

Recent research demonstrates that anti-trafficking measures put into place in a range of countries have proved irrelevant, or harmful in cases where sex workers become increasingly criminalised and unable to access health and social programmes. As the 2012 Olympics come to London, this seminar will review the international evidence on trafficking, sex work and sports events, consider public health implications, and ask to what extent police and local authorities here in the UK are basing their policies on evidence.

Discussion Panel: Nivedita Prasad, Ban Ying Counseling and Coordination Center against Trafficking, Berlin Catherine Stephens, International Union of Sex Workers, London Georgina Perry, Open Doors, NHS Service for Newham, Hackney & Tower Hamlets

Refreshments will be made available at the end of the presentation.

Admission: Free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis.

Contact: Joanna Busza
Email: Joanna.Busza@lshtm.ac.uk
More information: http://www.gaatw.org/publications/WhatstheCostofaRumour.11.15.2011.pdf

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