Asia-Pacific Symposium on Trafficking in Persons

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in cooperation with Japan Police Agency and the Ministry of Justice, held "Asia-Pacific Symposium" in Tokyo on January 20, 2000. The primary objective of the Symposium was to deepen understanding of the participants from Japan and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region regarding the present situation of trafficking in persons in the Asia-Pacific region and actions being taken by the international community. We discussed the present situation, the measures against trafficking and the protection of victims.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado made Opening Remarks and Mr. Shozo Azuma, Senior State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ms. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UN Children's Fund and other prominent Guests made excellent speeches and Panel discussions.
We had over 100 participants from around 20 countries of mainly Asia-Pacific regions, embassies and offices of international organizations in Tokyo, government officials, intellectuals, NGOs and Press people.

Major points of discussions were as follows,

(1) It was stressed that we have to eradicate trafficking in persons which is a grave crime violating dignity of victims and to give a top priority to protection and rehabilitation of victims.
(2) The importance of international cooperation and role of civil society such as NGOs were stressed in combatting against this crime.
(3) It was pointed out that we need to take various and comprehensive strategies against trafficking in persons because it is caused by social, cultural and economic factors. We recognized the importance of the protection of victims, the strengthening of prevention, investigation and immigration control, and the importance of coping with the root causes as well.
(4) It is stressed that Governments, international organizations and NGOs are needed to take actions to eradicate trafficking in persons since it has already been obvious what we have to do in order to combat against it.