Despite the decriminalization of brothels over twenty years ago in the Netherlands, illegal prostitution has not diminished, raising concerns about the wellbeing of sex workers. Currently, police estimates suggest that of the approximately 20,000 active sex workers, up to 6,000 may be victims of coercion. This stagnation indicates that the legal framework, designed to protect voluntary sex work and reduce forced exploitation, has not yielded the expected outcomes.

The legislation introduced in 2000 aimed to regulate over a thousand sexual business establishments, legitimizing the work of predominantly female sex workers. However, the expected decline in illegal activities did not materialize. Instead, there has been a significant rise in illegal prostitution and related exploitation, which has found a new platform in digital spaces. This development highlights the complexities involved in addressing the issue of sex work and the unintended consequences of legislative measures intended to promote safety and rights within the industry.

This month, a United Nations committee that oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women will review these ongoing challenges in the Netherlands. The stagnation of the illegal prostitution sector not only reflects the struggles of those within the profession to achieve safety and legal recognition but also underscores the need for more effective regulatory measures and support systems to protect vulnerable individuals within the sex work industry.