Message from the Editor :

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1 December th Issue Message from the Editor : We have come to the 13 th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. During 2015, sex workers not only face the violence and rights violation from some frontline police officers, clients and criminals, they also meet the District Council Election. Whenever there is election, sex workers will be raided. There is no exception this year. Sex workers are one of the targets in the police operations, as if they are the dirty spot that can damage the whole society, which should be removed especially during some big events. Several street-based sex workers came to us, telling us how they were kindly reminded by some police officers not to work in the streets during the District Council Election. There were also police officers standing at the building entrance, seriously checking the identity card of sex workers clients. They only aimed to scare away the clients and they could then get rid of the complaints of either the District Councilors or the community. (source: When will the public genuinely see sex workers as one of their members and judge them without prejudice? As long as sex workers get off work, they may just be one of our family members, friends or neighbor. To the candidates, have you even thought that sex workers may also be one voter, who can give her/his vote to you? Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 1

2 Our work and movement: Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers This is the 13 th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. We did a candlelight memorial with several sex workers, to commemorate the sex workers who were killed in This year, apart from the sex workers in Hong Kong, we also collected the cases from sex workers in Macau and Shenzhen about the violence they experience. You may get a picture from these cases of how sex workers struggle to work in risks. Two and one sex worker were killed respectively in Hong Kong and Shenzhen this year. Furthermore, because of the law in their working area and the illegality of their working identity, unlike their counterparts in Hong Kong, sex workers in Macau and Shenzhen cannot easily seek help from the support groups or government departments when they need help. Number of cases where sex workers in Hong Kong face violence Police violence/abuse Client/criminal violence Arbitrary arrest 16 cases Denial of payment 30 cases Strip search 3 cases Verbal threat and insult 9 cases Verbal threat and insult 43 cases Theft 8 cases Over use of violence 2 cases Robbery 5 cases Being deprived of basic rights 17 cases Physical assault 15 cases Free sexual service 2 cases Condom removed 5 cases Indecent assault 4 cases Forced to take drugs 1 case Physical assault 1 case Harassment 1 case Free massage service before arrest 5 cases Police impostor 3 cases Force/coax into signing the statement 10 cases Triad threats and harassment 2 cases Neglect of Duty 1 case Candid camera 1 case Obstructing the course of justice 5 cases Counterfeit note 6 cases Excessive license check 22 cases Murder 2 cases Grievous bodily harm 1 case Forced labor 3 cases Properties damaged 2 cases Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 2

3 Number of cases where sex workers in Macau and Shenzhen face violence Police violence/abuse Client/criminal iminal violence Arbitrary arrest 14 cases Condom removed 1 case Being deprived of basic rights 1 case Theft 1 case Excessive license check 15 cases Grievous bodily harm 4 cases Denial of payment 2 cases Murder 1 case (newspaper clippings from the Oriental Daily) Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 3

4 Last month, one sex worker whom we know met one South-Asian client. After the transaction, the woman went to the toilet to wash her hands. The client suddenly said something to the woman when she came out of the toilet. Yet, the woman only understands Mandarin. She did not understand what he was saying. The client suddenly moved to open the drawer beside the bed. The woman tried to block the client with her body. The client also lost his temper. He held his hands and punched the woman s neck, but the woman did not lose her consciousness. Though the client kept punching the woman s face, head and chest, she still strived to protect the drawer. As the woman failed to fight back, she only strived to shout for help. One sister working next door heard her scream. She knocked the door of the flat but could only hear the woman crying and moaning. She felt something wrong and quickly went downstairs for help. Other sex workers working in the same area also ran to the flat with one of them helped to call the police. While they were waiting for the police, two men ran upstairs to try to open the lock of the door. Through the gate, they saw the client beat the woman s head. Though they shouted to the client, the client did not pay any attention but kept beating the woman. The door lock was destroyed but they still failed to enter the flat, until the injured woman inside the flat crawled to the gate and opened the lock. The two men eventually pulled the client away from the woman. After the police arrived, both the sex worker and the client were sent to the hospital. When the ambulanceman carried the sex worker on the stretcher, all sex workers there could see the blood on her face. They all felt sad and burst into tears. Luckily, the sex worker was saved and the client was taken to the court. No doubt, if the police is willing to take one step forward by seriously investigating into the cases of sex workers, it serves as a good warning sign to the criminals and bad clients and can effectively reduce sex workers occupational risks. In fact, apart from expecting the police to properly protect those who are in need, we also hope that the public can stop discriminating sex workers, and sex workers can mutually (Source: Internet) help each other. Just like the two men and the sex workers who ran to the flat for help in this case, no matter you are just an ordinary citizen or a sex worker, if you are willing to offer help to the sex workers in need, very probably you can save one s life. Media Interview VICE NEWS from Toronto recently contacted us, hoping to understand more about migrant Chinese sex workers working in Canada. They also hoped to interview with a few sex workers who had been working in Canada on the phone. It seems that the survey we worked with SWAN earlier about migrant Chinese sex workers does continue to catch the media attention. Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 4

5 We eventually agreed to help VICE NEWS conducting a phone interview with a sex worker. The reason why we agreed to get in touch with the sex worker because we would like to let the Canadian public understand migrant Chinese sex workers more. Some people assume that all migrant sex workers enjoy making a living in the destination countries. However, if we take Canada as an example, (Source: Internet) as far as we know, quite a number of migrant Chinese sex workers find it difficult to work in Canada. They feel uncomfortable to the cold winter. They also feel lonely to work and live alone in an apartment. Particularly when most of them cannot well express them in English, they sometimes do feel insecure for failing to communicate with the clients. Canada is definitely not an exceptional case. In fact, if possible, many migrant sex workers prefer staying in their home towns than going to another country. It is not true that migrant sex workers enjoy working in foreign countries. It is also not a must that all migrant sex workers can earn a great amount in the destination. Most of all, it is absolutely wrong to conflate them with trafficked victims. Stories/experiences of Migrant Chinese sex workers Shenzhen Don t think that there is no bad guy in overseas countries May (anonymity) is keen at going overseas. She can tell her experiences for several hours. To May, working overseas is just like an adventure game. When I first worked in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), I went there on my own. I contacted one sister (village friend) there and she said she would pick me up. After I got off the plane, I thought she would already have arrived. I borrowed a Chinese young man s mobile phone and called her, but her phone was shut down. I was a bit frightened. I came here alone and I knew nothing about this place, what could I do? The Chinese young man asked me what happened and I told him. Probably because Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 5

6 both of us are from was nice, he asked me think too much and small hostel (There where most occupants to find jobs after I most people were usually went out in the same province, or he to go with him. I did not followed him. He owned a were long-term tenants), were young women. I went settled. In the Middle East, Islamists. Women there thick robe and veil. They covered themselves so it (Source: Internet) was strictly not allowed to sell and buy sex in this country. Yet, there were more peoples showing supports and understanding on prostitution. Some of them were even envious in the sense that women could earn money with their own efforts without men. I mainly worked on the streets. I had higher pay and more tips there. I also learnt some simple job-related words (Arabic), so that I could better talk to my clients. I once was arrested when I was working in a guesthouse. Later, I was released because of the Act of Grace. I immediately got a ticket and came back to China. I dared not to go there anymore. Though I stopped going to the UAE, I went to Singapore for several times, mainly working in Geyland. For the first time, I went there with two sisters. One of them had a boyfriend there. He drove and picked us up from the airport. There were more Chinese in Singapore, so quite a number of people there could speak Mandarin, Cantonese and Minnan. People there also used much English, so it would be enough to learn a little English. There was no problem to talk to Chinese. I also worked on the streets in Singapore. The price was almost the same as in China. When there was a client we usually went to a guesthouse or hostel. The client would pay for the room. When we entered we would be given free condoms. We did not need to prepare anything. The tissues were also free to use. I also met a triad leader. At that time, there had been police crackdowns for several days. The leader reminded me not to go out. When it was almost dark, since I understood the risk, I did not dare to spend too much time standing in the streets. However, I met a sister and she asked me to get in her car. I quickly got in and told her to go back to the house. I was in the car for about 3 minutes only and we were surrounded by some police officers, who asked us for valid identity documents. My visa expired at that time. I also could not say I wanted to return to the house for the document, as many of those living in the house were sex workers or sisters with expired visa. I was eventually deported to China for visa expiry. I was also not allowed to enter Singapore within 3 years. Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 6

7 I think there are several important points for working overseas. For example, you have to carry some money. A bit more than the expected amount will be fine but the amount varies according to different countries. You have to seek for more details from different departments. Moreover, you should first contact the relatives or friends there, because the officers may sometimes ask you to contact your relatives or friends at the Immigration. You should make sure you have the accommodation. Do not easily believe in others, or you will be cheated or trapped. Before you go you have to understand the general culture, the prostitution law and working environment of the destination country. For language, remember to learn some words about the Immigration and your job. It would be enough if you also learn some words about numbering and money. In addition, do not think that there is no bad buy in overseas countries. You may meet some troublemaker or bad clients outside China. For example, some may go out with a sex worker and make her take poisons in drinks. Linking with the world Korea Decriminalization for Sex Worker s Human Rights Since the anti-sex trade law was passed in 2004, sex work has become illegal in Korea. Both the seller and buyer of sexual services will be punished under the Prostitution Prevention Act. Sex workers not only cannot receive proper protection from the police, they also face different kinds of police abuses. In 2014, one sex worker fell down from sixth floor and died for the fear of police operation. In November, Giant Girls (GG), sex workers group in Korea, organized the Asia-Pacific Sex Worker s Rights Forum to raise more concern on the constitutionality of the prostitution law,. They also called for international support on the decriminalization of sex work in Korea. Sure we supported them and quickly signed their 'Decriminalization for Sex Worker's Human Rights' statement. (source: Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 7

8 Welcoming The Announcement 'Decriminalization Sex Work' of Amnesty International 'Decriminalization for Sex Worker's Human Rights' On November 25 last year, a sex worker died in a fall from sixth floor of a building in Gyengnam Tongyeong. The reason of this tragic affair was no other than police chasing. Since that day, a year has passed but the reality of sex workers which we are facing up hasn t changed at all. Sex workers are routinely exposed to lot of prejudices and baseless accusations. And when we retort against those things, people say that we deserve those things because we are sex workers, who do illicit activities. But in retrospect, slavery was allowed once, which is illegal now. Women also didn t have suffrage. There are even countries where are still killing homosexuals because of sexual identities. As we can see, numerous cases of human rights abuses were caused by laws and systems. And we can find another example in Korean society, which defines consensual sexual service transaction as illegal. Due to the Special Act of Prostitution, I can be punished just because I do my work and the buyer also may be punished because they paid to get my service. My labor rights and rights to live is not guaranteed by being excluded from punishment. It never can be a proper solution to this problem to exclude only those who work in this subject from punishment. Think about it. There are sellers and buyers. But if buyers get punished when they pay for service, who would like to be a buyer and how should sellers earn money by selling services? What do you think? How would such situation influence on negotiation process between provider and customer and in which position would the provider be placed? I do sex work to live happily in abundance. And I m not ashamed about my job. But there are still several things I wish. I don t want to be punished because of my job and be kicked out from internet communities owing to search for consumers for my work. Moreover, I do hope to be able to call police against customers who threaten and attack me during sex work, abusing that sex work is illegal and I can t call the police. Lastly, I wish to be protected and respected by law as a citizen. Just like other workers. Today, I as a sex worker appeal to your solidarity. On August 11, 2015 the International Amnesty announced the decriminalization of sex work including seller, buyer, and pimp as a mediator even without any legal binding force. I wish it would be widely known so that more people could pay attention to it. What I'm saying today is not just for sex workers. It also relates to people who earn money as a worker, those who do not synchronize love and sex, and people who do sex which is prohibited in our society. We call on Korean government for stopping crackdown on sex workers immediately. We insist on reflecting voice of sex workers in the process of making policies of sex work. I also request solidarity of all other non-government organizations, not from a sympathy, as a worker, a sexual minority under sexual discrimination, and a member of a group which is suffering from poverty and targeted by pulling down. Finally, we require that the consumers using our sexual service respect us as a worker and a same citizen. Sometimes gigantic problems find clue with tiny small movements. We believe that the bold decision of International Amnesty and our conference as a crucial clue make a big difference in our community. Thanks for careful listening to my voice. Yujin Giant Girls(Network for Sex worker's Rights in Korea) Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 8

9 Understanding more about migrant sex workers Taiwan Non-Chinese Migrant sex workers These days, not only migrant sex workers from Mainland China, more non-chinese migrant sex workers are found going to Taiwan for a living. They are mainly from the US and the East European countries like Russia and Czeh Republic. Though they often have higher service charge, they are very popular. At the same time, there is also the influx of migrant sex workers from South Korea. (Source: Internet) As long as the technology and transportation advances, migrant sex workers can now move to another place more easily and frequently. Some leave their home town because they cannot work properly in their home countries for different reasons, such as police crackdowns, political instability and natural disasters. Some of them simply depart for another country because they believe they can earn more in overseas countries. However, the reason why they leave for another country is more or less the same, that is, they aim to make a better living. If they can earn a living stably and safely in their home country, they definitely will not choose to take too many risks to work in overseas. List of Donors (9 / / ) September 譚若梅 1,000 Anonymities 2,850 October Anonymities 6,950 November Anonymities 3,950 December Doctors Wu 1,000 Chris Redmon 100 Anonymities 2,050 We apologize for any omissions!! Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 9

10 Application for Membership Name: Occupation: Telephone: (H) Age: Gender: (O): Address: I am willing to join the following activities: Publication Data Collection Research Others I would like to donate monthly: $100 $200 $300 $500 $1,000 or once My donation is paid by: Cheque: (cheque number) Cash deposited into: Hang Seng Bank A/C (Account Name: Zi Teng) Mail: Hong Kong Post Office Headquarters P.O. Box 7450 Fax: Tel: Zi Teng Hong Kong Post Office Headquarters P.O. Box 7450 Tel : ziteng@hkstar.com Website : Blog : Air Mail Printed Matter Zi Teng Newsletter December th Issue P. 10