While you are standing at the bridge looking around, we will give you an insight into contemporary issues that are important for Red Light District.

The relatively recent legalization of prostitution eliminated some problems, but at the same time created new ones. It led to a dramatic increase in human trafficking, pimping, violence, drug abuse and money laundry in this sector. Therefore, in 2006-2007 the city initiative was to close about half of all windows in the area. Job Cohen (then mayor of Amsterdam) explained that even though he was very much for Red Light District, it is too difficult to control and so it has to be reduced. Government then bought about 20 buildings in the area in order to create a different establishment, such as new cafes and bars, designer shops and upscale living premises.

Such actions on the authorities' part were taken really badly by the community. It resulted in numerous demonstrations proclaiming the integrity of Red Light District. Prostitutes themselves were also very much concerned, for they would have to leave Red Light District and go work in the streets. This would be much less safe and more difficult to control and cause the problems government tried to avoid.

At the end, the amount of windows was reduced but not as much as initially was planned. So now tourists and locals can still enjoy Red Light District in its entirety.

In our menu you can watch video showing a project again human trafficking that took place a couple years back. It is a powerful video.

Video is courtesy of STOP THE TRAFFIK.org

Photo Slave Trade by Nina Jean is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0