We want to recruit you! We are actively looking for people to join our cause in advocating for the human rights of sex workers in New Jersey. If you are a current or former sex worker, a human rights activist, social service provider or someone else who wants to be engaged and respects the dignity of sex workers, then we would like you to join our cause. If you want to become a member, we ask that you make a commitment to our monthly roundtable discussions (usually held in Newark, NJ) and lend a hand when available to help promote our priority goals. Please email us at newjerseyrua@gmail.com if you are interested in joining the team.

Have your human rights been violated? We want to hear about it! We are currently working on an online mechanism for you to self-report these violations. Until then, send us an email at newjerseyrua@gmail.com with some details and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Why document? Documenting human rights violations are a vital step in building a rights-based movement. This information is used to determine what the most vital needs of sex workers are, and how stigma and criminalization impact the community. Lawmakers, service providers, and human rights advocates can use this information to become better allies to our community.

Not sure what human rights violations are? By virtue of being a human, you are entitled to certain rights. In 1948, the world’s governments gathered through the United Nations and created a list of rights that all humans are born with. That list was codified into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United States has committed to upholding these rights and ensuring that all people within its borders have their human rights protected. These may not always be legally or socially respected, but NJRUA’s mission as human rights activists is to help you hold those who violate your rights accountable.

What are some examples of human rights violations that sex workers face? Sex workers face very specific human rights violations that stem from criminalization and stigmatization of our community. Many sex workers face harassment and arrest based on possession of condoms which violates our communities right to health. If one’s status as a current or former sex worker is outed, one can face employment termination or eviction from housing with little to no legal repercussion. Due to the unsafe working conditions, rape and other forms of violence are a reality for many sex workers and reporting these acts of violence can result in arrest for breaking the law. These are just some of the human rights violations that confront our community.