By Boris Pavlov, Year 11
Geneva is usually regarded as a leader in human rights and protection, with the United Nations often meeting to discuss issues such as sex trafficking and exploitation. It therefore almost seems absurd to consider that Geneva’s Quartier Rouge in Pâquis is located right next door.
The issue of prostitution, although legal in Geneva, is not one that is often discussed, and many people are not aware of the darker side of the city we live in. The surprising Rue de Berne almost seems out of place in light of our perceptions of it.
The region is full of prostitutes, restaurants and bodyguards that regularly line its streets throughout the day and well into the morning. With this in mind, it poses a serious question about the exploitation of people in Geneva.
Although officially regarded as a ‘Tier 1’ country that complies with the minimum requirements for human trafficking, police are regularly observed not interfering. They reportedly have an implicit agreement with the denizens of Pâquis that no issues shall occur if they are left in peace.
This should seem shocking to most people, especially given that it is still not considered a safe area. In fact, a group or companion is recommended for anyone going there after dark. Moreover, drug dealers also frequent the area, in line with the relationship between it and prostitution.
It begs the question as to the image Pâquis is sending to the city and the rest of the world. It seems crazy not to address the issue or even discuss any form of restriction on activities that actively exploit humans for profit.
The related safety concerns and connotations seem to undermine the very principles of the UN on human trafficking. It thus seems necessary to at least begin to talk about the events we have all turned a blind eye to and discuss its implication and potentially problematic continued existence.
