IN FOCUS: DECEMBER 17 CAMPAIGNDecember 17th, the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, calls attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the globe. This issue of the SWAN News is devoted to the campaign organized during the week of December 17, 2008 by the SWAN members.

IN FOCUS: MACEDONIA ALERT: POLICE RAIDS, DETENTIONS, INVOLUNTARY STI-TESTS More then 30 sex workers, clients, mediators and one social worker from HOPS, SWAN member from Macedonia, detained in a massive raid; involuntary STI tests performed; civil society says human rights seriously violated

NEWS FROM SWAN NETWORK SWAN representatives at the IHRA conference in Barcelona… 19th International Harm Reduction Conference was this year held from 10-15 May in Barcelona, Spain. HESED, SWAN member from Bulgaria was one of the speakers at a panel related to sex work issues. More

IN FOCUS: Debate on Legalization of Prostitution in Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz law is rather strict in dealing with prostitution. There are three articles in the Criminal Code penalizing minors’ and adults’ involvement in sex work as well as brothels industry development with up to five years of imprisonment. But recently, there are ever more voices requesting re-evaluation of such policies, claiming they have negative effect on public health and human rights. More

I Can Live Coalition prepared and published a new educational publication Tuberculosis and Its Impact on HIV Patients (in Lithuanian). The purpose of the publication aiming at people living with HIV is to inform them about the dual tuberculosis and HIV infection and related threats and to draw their attention to the importance of tuberculosis prevention and treatment. The publication provides information about tuberculosis, its negative impact on the health of people living with HIV, modes of infection and protection, prevention and treatment options.

On 28-29 March 2008 in Dubingiai Holiday Centre I Can Live Coalition will organise training for representatives of vulnerable groups on the dual tuberculosis and HIV infection and representation of interests.

In autumn 2007 I Can Live Coalition caring for legal education of vulnerable groups published a brief information booklet for drug users (in Lithuanian). It lists the fundamental individual rights in the area of health care, bailiff activities and social law as well as advice where to go. The publication also contains information about state-guaranteed legal assistance, its availability and persons who may receive this assistance.