1. Introduction
Human trafficking has become a major concern for many countries around the world, with some even considering it a form of modern-day slavery. In recent years, the problem has become particularly acute in East Asia, including Japan. This article will explore the prevalence of human trafficking in Japan, the types of exploitation being committed, and the efforts being undertaken to combat it.
2. What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is defined by the United Nations as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud or deception” for the purpose of exploitation (UNODC). It can involve both sexual exploitation and forced labour.
3. Prevalence of Human Trafficking in Japan
The Japanese government estimates that there are approximately 8 million victims of human trafficking each year in Japan alone (JICA). This number includes both foreign and domestic victims who are trafficked for a variety of purposes such as forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.
4. Types of Human Trafficking in Japan
In Japan, most human trafficking cases involve foreign nationals who are lured to the country with promises of well-paying jobs only to find themselves exploited upon arrival. The most common forms of exploitation include forced labour in factories and farms; domestic servitude; sex work; and debt bondage (UNAIDS).
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5. Causes and Contributing Factors to Human Trafficking in Japan
There are a number of factors that contribute to human trafficking in Japan including poverty; gender inequality; lack of access to education; cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence; weak law enforcement capacity; corruption; weak immigration policies; and organized crime networks (UNAIDS).
6. Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Japan
The Japanese government has taken steps to address human trafficking within its borders by passing anti-trafficking laws such as the Law Concerning Measures against Unlawful Acts Related to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (2005) and the Law Concerning Prevention against Unlawful Acts Related to International Labour Recruitment (2009). The government also works with international organizations such as UNICEF and IOM on anti-trafficking initiatives. In addition, there are several non-governmental organizations working on this issue at both national and local levels (UNAIDS).
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that human trafficking is a serious problem in Japan which requires an urgent response from all levels – from government policy makers to civil society groups – if it is to be effectively addressed. While progress has been made over recent years, much more needs to be done if we are going to see an end to this heinous crime.
8. References
JICA (2020) ‘Japan’s Efforts Against Human Trafficking’ [online] Available at: https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/human_security/anti_trafficking/index1_02_01_en [Accessed 20 June 2020].
UNODC (2020) ‘What Is Human Trafficking?’ [online] Available at: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/what-is-human-trafficking-.html [Accessed 20 June 2020].
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UNAIDS (2020) ‘Human Trafficking & Migration’ [online] Available at: https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/regions/eastasiaandthepacific/topics/humantrafficki ngmigration [Accessed 20 June 2020].
Does Japan have high human trafficking?
The US State Departments Annual Trafficking in Persons Report puts Japan at tier two of its three-tier system highlighting Tokyos inadequate response and lack of prevention of child exploitation and forced labor in the commercial sex industry. immigrants. for criminals.
What country has a high rate of human trafficking?
Every country in the world deals with child trafficking but there are two areas where child trafficking is particularly common. Child trafficking is very common in Africa and especially in West Africa where 1 percent of trafficked victims are children.
Does the yakuza do human trafficking?
During World War II the Yakuza worked with the Japanese government to provide comfort women for imperial soldiers. From there yakuza sex tourism spread to Japan through the trafficking of women for prostitution gambling and the transport of drugs and weapons.
What is the age of consent in Japan?
However in Japan even children as young as 13 can legally consent to sex. As a result Japan has the lowest retirement age among developed countries. But now as the Japanese government prepares to raise the legal age from 13 to 16 things may change. why now 3 days ago
Does Japan have a high rate of kidnapping?
The latest rate for 2016 is 02 kidnappings per 100000 people. By comparison the global average for 77 countries in 2016 was 23 kidnappings per 100000 people. View global rankings for metrics or use country comparators to compare trends over time.
Who is the biggest victim of human trafficking?
Perpetrators use this leverage to force or coerce victims into hard labor, sex, or other services. Globally, children comprise 20 percent of all reported human trafficking cases however, children are actually close to 100 percent of the victims in some parts of Africa and Asia, according to the United Nations.
