France and India Unite Against Sexual Exploitation: Joint Press Conference Marks 10 Years of the French Abolitionist Law

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the French Abolitionist Law, the Consulate General of France in Kolkata hosted a joint press conference bringing together the Coalition for the Abolition of Prostitution International (CAP International) and its Indian partner, South Kolkata Hamari Muskan (SKHM).

The event highlighted a shared commitment to ending the prostitution of women and girls and promoting sustainable livelihood alternatives for survivors. The French Abolitionist Law, enacted in 2016, decriminalised persons in prostitution while holding pimps and sex buyers accountable. It also introduced comprehensive exit pathways, centring on dignity, equality, and rehabilitation. A decade later, France continues to advocate for this approach globally, supporting abolitionist partners such as CAP International and SKHM who translate policy into impact on the ground.

“Prostitution is a gross violation of human rights. Since 2009, we have supported children from Kolkata’s red-light areas. Today, many of them are pursuing higher education and master’s degrees — a powerful reminder that change is possible,” said Srabani Sarkar Neogi, Founder and Director of SKHM. “Prostitution is never a choice — it is the absence of choice. We urge the adoption of the abolitionist model that decriminalises those in prostitution and targets pimps and buyers.

Equality will remain incomplete as long as men can purchase women,” said Héma Sibi, Director of CAP International. Both organisations underlined that prostitution overwhelmingly impacts women and girls from marginalised communities. In India, Dalit and Adivasi women are disproportionately represented among victims. Through survivor-led advocacy and grassroots engagement, CAP International and SKHM continue to challenge these systemic inequalities. Their joint initiative — the EXIT Programme — builds sustainable professional alternatives for over 385 women across India, Nepal, Lebanon, and Mongolia. The programme focuses on financial independence and long-term dignity through job placements, entrepreneurship, and income-generating activities. In Kolkata’s red-light districts, including Sonagachi and Bowbazar, SKHM helps women transition out of prostitution while empowering them as community leaders. The organisation also works with children in these neighbourhoods, enabling a generation to break free from cycles of exploitation and envision futures of choice and opportunity.“I’ve seen what prostitution does to families and children. I don’t want that life for myself.

I want to be a doctor — to build something different,” said Priya, a student supported by SKHM. “I’m the second generation of prostitution, and my hope is that it stops here — that no girl after me has to live this.”