The access to social and healthcare services for sex workers is a complex and multilayered issue which significantly differs in various regions and countries. It is essential to emphasize that sex work in general is a controversial subject matter, for which there are
numerous legal frameworks and social viewpoints, which directly impact the availability and accessibility to the social, healthcare and legal services for individuals engaged in voluntary sex work.
In the legal regulations of the Republic of North Macedonia, performing sex work in public space, i.e. giving in to prostitution is a disturbance of public order and peace, whereas the mediation in prostitution such as pimping, encouraging, or obtaining a financial gain by providing sex services are treated and penalized as crimes.
In addition, sex workers are frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination in the public discourse, which creates barriers in the access to social and healthcare services. The negative stereotypes and public judgment contribute to marginalization of sex workers, which renders them unlikely to seek and receive support. The fear of being judged discourages individuals to seek aid and support from service providers. In some cases, the specialized organizations and civil organizations take care of sex workers’ needs and provide networks of support, but their availability and reach can considerably vary. Sex workers frequently seek counseling services as well, in order to be able to tackle issues such as mental health, substance abuse and violence. Nevertheless, due to the marginalized nature of sex work, these services can be limited and unavailable.
This analysis will attempt to present the conditions in the social, healthcare and legal framework in the Republic of North Macedonia, and by analyzing the experiences of the sex workers’ community, it will provide an objective outlook of their implementation. The content of this analysis will generate the national priorities towards a full realization and protection of sex workers rights.
The issue of this publication is within the frames of the organization’s strategic program activities in accordance with the Strategic Plan 2022-2025, via the National Implementation of the Global Framework for Social Protection and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Project, in order to improve the care and support for sex workers regarding the access to social, healthcare and legal protection. These activities are conducted with financial support from the regional network SWAN – Sex Workers Rights Advocacy Network. The views and content expressed in this publication are the sole liability of its authors.
The research report is available in Macedonian and English and can be read/downloaded in its entirety at the following links: