Crime

In recent years, with the further development of globalization, the widening of economic disparities, and the evolution of IT technology, trafficking in persons has become a grave crime that crosses borders. Recognizing trafficking in persons as a grave violation of human rights, Japan established the "Inter-Ministerial Liaison Committee Regarding Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons" in April 2004 and formulated the "Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons," achieving significant results through various measures based on this plan. Meanwhile, the action plan has been revised to reflect changes in the situation surrounding trafficking in persons, such as the increasing sophistication and concealment of trafficking methods. Following revisions in December 2009 and December 2014, the "2022 Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons" was formulated in December 2022.
Furthermore, Japan has promoted measures on a whole-of-government basis, including holding annual meetings of the Council for the Promotion of Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons, composed of relevant cabinet ministers since 2015.
In June 2005, Japan obtained Diet approval for the conclusion of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its supplementing protocol, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Trafficking in Persons Protocol). Subsequently, in July 2017, with the establishment and enforcement of domestic legislation for the UNTOC, Japan concluded the Trafficking in Persons Protocol along with the UNTOC. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays an important role in eradicating trafficking in persons through initiatives such as supporting the repatriation and social reintegration of foreign victims, capacity building support primarily for Southeast Asian countries, public awareness campaigns for overseas travelers, strict visa screening, and training for consular and security officers, all based on the Trafficking in Persons Protocol and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Information on the status of victims of trafficking in persons in Japan and the government's measures against trafficking in persons can be found on the website of the "Council for the Promotion of Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons (Japanese)."

• "The 2022 Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons" (Prime Minister's Office website) (PDF) "
• 'Trafficking in Persons' is also occurring in Japan. Is there anyone around you who is a victim " (Government Public Relations Online) (Japanese Only)

Since 2005, Japan has continuously contributed to the "Return and Reintegration Assistance to Trafficked Victims in Japan" program implemented by the IOM (International Organization for Migration). Through the IOM, Japan provides repatriation support and post-repatriation social reintegration support (employment/entrepreneurship support, etc.) for foreign victims recognized as victims of trafficking in persons in Japan who wish to return to their home countries.

Japan actively provides support contributing to measures against trafficking in persons through international organizations such as UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) and JICA's technical cooperation. For recent support, including measures against trafficking in persons, please refer to the annual report (7. Establishment of foundations for promotion of measures against trafficking in persons (1) Strengthening of cooperation with other countries concerned and international organizations) posted on the website of the "Council for the Promotion of Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons (Japanese)."

Japan actively participates in international cooperation frameworks related to combating trafficking in persons. The main initiatives are as follows:

Japan actively participates in the "Bali Process," a follow-up process of the "Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime" co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia. Furthermore, through contributions to the IOM, which maintains and manages the process's website (in English) and organizes the information posted, Japan strives to improve information sharing among relevant countries.

Japan strives to grasp the actual situation of trafficking in persons cases in the international community and exchange information with foreign governments and international organizations through participation in ASEAN-related meetings on trafficking in persons, G7 Rome-Lyon Group-related meetings, the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons of the UNTOC, and policy dialogue with UNODC, among others.