From: 3ZLUFUR@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU (Elliott Parker)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.seasia-l
Subject: TH: NGOs urge action on prostitution
Date: 12 Nov 92 18:32:52 GMT
Organization: Central Michigan University
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU

=======================  Forwarded  Message  ===========================
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 92 00:12:33+0700
From: Kamol Hengkietisak <kamol@ipied.tu.ac.th>


NON-GOVERNMENT organisations working for the rights of women and
children yesterday called on the prime minister to adopt effective
measures in tackling the problems of forced prostitution.

In an open letter to Chuan Leekpai, the NGOs proposed measures
including the establishment of a special task force to deal with
prostitution, the abolition of the Prostitution Suppression Act
B.E. 2503 (1960 A.D.) and harsh penalties for men who frequent
brothels.

The letter, which was submitted to deputy government spokesman
Sudarat Keyuraphand, strongly criticised the inefficiency of
authorities who failed to save the life of a woman murdered last
week after fleeing a brothel to seek help.

"All the government officials involved, including the medical and
public welfare personnel as well as police, must be questioned and
anyone found guilty, or incompetent, in the lead-up to the death
of the victim must be punished," the letter said.

"So far, it is still unclear whether the victim was a child
prostitute, aged 14, as earlier reported in the press, or a woman,
aged 24, as reported by the police."

The groups opposed the transfer of officials from the area, saying
"it won't solve any problems and there is no guarantee that these
officials will improve their behaviour".

The groups reminded Mr Chuan of his policy address to senior
government officials that there must be no child prostitutes or
child labourers in any province.

They also called for urgent measures to help and protect
prostitutes who escape from brothels.

They suggested that there should be a policy stating that Public
Welfare authorities must provide emergency assistance and
protection to these women within 24 hours similar to the victims
of natural disasters.

"Women who are lured to the flesh trade and manage to flee
brothels face a high risk of being murdered. Authorities must give
top priority to the safety of victims," the groups said in their
letter.

They also said there should be an independent task force which
reports directly to the PM's Office to stamp out the flesh trade.
The task force must be equipped with sufficient funding and
manpower.

The letter was signed by the Group of Friends of Women Labourers
in Asia, Empower, Women Foundation, Friends of Women Foundation,
Children Foundation and the Institute of Gender Role Research.

The letter said the Prostitution Suppression Act was
discriminatory and violated the Constitution and United Nations
charter on human rights.

"Prostitutes could not do business if there were no male clients.
But the act puts the blame solely on women. As a result, the women
whose career is labelled illegal will never escape from the dark
influences. And it is the dark influences who perpetuate
prostitution."

The groups said brothel-goers, as supporters of the flesh trade,
must face criminal action.

They also said the Government should support the role of NGOs in
helping these women by providing the organisations with funding.
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU