Macedonia prostitutes march against increasing violence targeting sex workers

SKOPJE, Macedonia – Dozens of Macedonian prostitutes and human rights activists have held a peaceful march in downtown Skopje to protest violence against sex workers.

Demonstrators carried red umbrellas, an international symbol against discrimination targeting sex workers, and three costumed sex workers raised a placard reading: "Stigma kills."

Prostitution in Macedonia is illegal. A recent survey by the "Star-Star" civic organization found that sex workers in the country don't enjoy any protection from the state and usually avoid reporting abuse they experience. Only 1.3 percent of 320 surveyed sex workers said they reported violence against them to police.

Thursday's march was part of global action to mark the international day against violence targeting sex workers.