The topic of “Escorts and Human Rights” might seem like an odd pairing at first glance. After all, the two subjects aren’t generally seen together outside of advocacy pamphlets or heated online forums. But, just like a combination of peanut butter and pickles, it can be surprisingly delightful when presented in the right light. Let’s take a journey together through this rather peculiar terrain of legal, ethical, and professional dimensions.

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room – the oft-ignored human right of choosing one’s profession. An escort, much like an accountant, a barrister, or a pizza delivery person, is someone who provides a service in exchange for monetary compensation. The difference? Society generally doesn’t stigmatize those other professions quite as intensely. So, the first right we should talk about is the right to work, regardless of societal opinion. Let’s keep that in mind, shall we?

Next, we venture into the tricky realm of stereotypes and stigma. For some reason, a pervasive belief exists that escorts have had their rights trampled on, that they’re invariably victims in need of saving. This is as absurd as suggesting every office worker is shackled to their desk, trapped in a 9-to-5 cycle of oppression. Certainly, there are circumstances where rights may be compromised in any profession, but broad-brush assumptions serve no one.

Now, let’s take a moment to discuss autonomy, the cornerstone of human rights. It’s ironic, isn’t it, that society clamors for autonomy and personal freedom, yet readily denies those same principles when it comes to professions they don’t quite understand or approve of. Here’s a reality check: Escorts, like any other professionals, can and do make decisions for themselves. They choose their clients, they set their boundaries, and they have the right to say no. Their profession doesn’t magically erase their autonomy. Quite the opposite, in many cases, it’s a means to assert it.

Now, if you thought we were done, let’s not forget privacy. Yes, the escorts’ right to privacy. In this digital age of oversharing, it’s easy to forget that everyone, including escorts, has the right to keep their private life private. The ‘Scarlet Letter’ era of branding and shaming individuals based on their profession should be a thing of the past. If a person chooses to provide companionship for a living, it doesn’t automatically grant the world unlimited access to pry into their personal affairs.

Lastly, let’s talk about respect, the unsung hero of human rights. Escorts, regardless of societal bias, deserve respect. They are providing a service, often helping clients navigate through loneliness, social anxiety, or simply providing companionship. They’re not just about fulfilling physical desires but emotional needs as well. Their job takes skill and empathy, often a lot more than that possessed by the average keyboard warrior denouncing their profession online.

In conclusion, when discussing escorts and human rights, let’s move beyond the stereotypes and assumptions. Let’s remember that these are individuals who have chosen a profession and are exercising their rights just like anyone else. It’s high time we reassess our biases, don’t you think? Because at the end of the day, they are as much entitled to their rights as the lawyer, the banker, or the humble writer crafting this slightly ironic piece on a rather unconventional subject.

Resources

  1. https://www.cap-international.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ProstitutionUnderIntlHumanRightsLawEN.pdf
  2. https://www.fondationscelles.org/fr/tribunes/134-international-law-defines-prostitution-as-a-human-rights-violation
  3. https://www.geschichte-menschenrechte.de/fileadmin/editorial/download/statement_on_prostitution.pdf
  4. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/05/amnesty-international-publishes-policy-and-research-on-protection-of-sex-workers-rights/