Topic: 2024-Human Trafficking
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Ava Balint
Human trafficking is a widespread problem all over the world, affecting millions of people every year by violating their basic rights and freedoms. It includes forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ trafficking, with women and children being the most affected. Human trafficking has, therefore, been one of the premier concerns for the international community, through collaborative frameworks like the United Nations’ Palermo Protocol, which urges all states to attempt to prevent trafficking, protect its victims, and prosecute any offenders. The clandestine nature of trafficking networks and high socio-economic vulnerabilities among possible victims remain huge obstacles to defeating these criminal networks. Japan realizes these as serious issues which require resolution throughout all aspects domestically and with a positive international contribution.
Japan in the past had been a destination and transit country for human trafficking, mainly with women and migrant workers being targeted, but in the recent past, the Japanese government has become more concerned about the situation through legislation such as the 2005 Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, and changes to its Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. The current efforts are in line with the position taken up by the United Nations, especially its adoption of the Palermo Protocol in 2000, which Japan ratified in 2017. The UN has been leading international strategies against trafficking through a victim-centered approach and transnational cooperation. Japan’s endorsement of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons further demonstrates its commitment at both the national and international levels.
Based on the gained experience, Japan is calling for a multi-dimensional approach against human trafficking. The Delegation will improve, both domestically and through raising greater awareness with various public outreach, victim support, shelter provision, legal assistance, and psychological counseling, among other services. Japan internationally appeals for the creation of an integrated database system to be shared at the global level to trace trafficking networks and patterns, to which member states share information and coordinate law enforcement action. Japan also addresses the root causes, such as poverty and lack of education, by supporting development programs in vulnerable regions. In this respect, Japan promotes stronger partnerships among governments, NGOs, and the private sector to fill in the gaps of the international community for a more effective strategy in the complete eradication of human trafficking worldwide.
