Atina Contributes to UN Report on Prostitution and Violence Against Women and Girls

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As part of our ongoing advocacy for the rights and safety of women and girls, NGO Atina has submitted a detailed report to the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls for the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, addressing the global link between prostitution and gender-based violence.

The Special Rapporteur's report explores the often-hidden yet systemic nature of violence experienced by women and girls in prostitution. It examines how legal, social, and economic structures reinforce or challenge this exploitation. Atina’s submission draws on over two decades of field experience supporting women and girls exposed to trafficking, sexual exploitation, and multiple forms of violence, particularly in the Western Balkans.

Atina’s report emphasizes that prostitution is not an isolated phenomenon but a consequence of structural inequalities, poverty, displacement, and patriarchal norms. Atina has documented cases where women and girls, particularly from marginalized groups such as Roma communities, refugees, and survivors of prior abuse, are coerced or forced into prostitution through violence, manipulation, or extreme socio-economic vulnerability. These women often face violence not only from exploiters and buyers but also from institutions that criminalize and stigmatize them.

Atina also underlined the deep links between prostitution, trafficking, pornography, and digital sexual exploitation, especially as technology increasingly enables anonymous abuse and control. Atina highlighted the failure of current legal frameworks to sufficiently address demand or hold exploiters accountable, as well as the urgent need for survivor-centered exit programs, trauma-informed services, and long-term reintegration support.

Atina’s contribution calls on governments and international bodies, especially Government of Serbia, to prioritize the voices of survivors, frontline organizations, and women-led civil society groups in policy making. Atina advocates for comprehensive support systems that go beyond punitive measures and ensure real alternatives for women and girls wishing to leave prostitution.

The full report submitted by Atina has been published on the Special Rapporteur’s official webpage and is available: https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohchr.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocuments%2Fissues%2Fwomen%2Fsr%2Fcall56hrc%2Fsubm-sr-violence-against-cso-ngo-atina.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

We remain committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls and building systems that recognize their dignity, autonomy, and rights.