A global policy published today recommends the decriminalisation of consensual sex work.

The policy, by Amnesty International, outlines that sex workers are often subject to human rights violations and abuses.

The publication is made up of research data from Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Norway and Argentina.

Executive director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm O’ Gorman said that governments must take action to protect sex workers.

“We’ll be calling on States to act to protect the human rights of people involved in sex work here in Ireland,” he said.

“We really hope that the Government, if they re-introduce legislation in this area, will very carefully consider the evidence that’s laid out in this research, will act to decriminalise sex work, and ensure that there’s a good legal framework in that both criminalises and prosecutes those who would exploit those involved in sex work.”