Valletta, Malta, Oct 31, 2019 / 15:39 pm
Catholic Voices Malta issued a position paper Thursday on proposed human trafficking reform in the island nation, saying that while prostitutes should be decriminalized, those who work with trafficked persons should face heavier sanctions.
"We urge the legislator to rethink the orientation of the reform and advocate that our system should be closer to models that have proved to be successful in addressing human trafficking, reduce and reintegrate prostitutes in dignified employment and have full respect for the fundamental human rights principle of human dignity," the Catholic communications group said in an Oct. 31 position paper on a reform proposed by the Maltese government meant to combat human trafficking.
"Prostitutes should be decriminalised, but prostitution should remain a criminal activity, with heavier sanctions being placed on persons found guilty of trafficking human persons, operators of clubs and outlets that host trafficked persons, pimps and persons seeking the services of a prostitute," Catholic Voices Malta stated.
The Catholic group emphasized the importance of personal dignity, which they said "goes beyond providing a way out of prostitution but by creating a culture of unacceptance of the objectification of a woman's body, the provision of education and work opportunities that value the contribution of the person and provide a source of fulfilment in the alternative work a former prostitute does, rather than continue facing degradation and humiliation to survive."