Japanese Human Trafficking Law
Japanese government begins efforts to halt human trafficking
"TOKYO - (KRT) - The Japanese government has begun talks to establish a legal framework to halt international trafficking of women and children brought to the nation to work as prostitutes, and human-rights groups want the policy to include protection for the victims.
... The Justice Ministry hopes to revise the Criminal Code in next year's ordinary Diet session to enable the government to charge those involved in human trafficking.
But this action does not extend to significantly improving the nation's support system for victims. Police and judicial authorities will devise a plan this year, but the practical effects remain questionable.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to use women's consultation centers run by local governments and private-sector shelters to provide victims with temporary protection. But these facilities focus on assisting victims of domestic violence.
If the government is to rely on private shelters that barely have enough funds to operate, it should begin offering them financial support.
There are numerous problems to solve, including helping the victims return to society and stay away from prostitution."
Kansas City Star, October 26, 2004
"TOKYO - (KRT) - The Japanese government has begun talks to establish a legal framework to halt international trafficking of women and children brought to the nation to work as prostitutes, and human-rights groups want the policy to include protection for the victims.
... The Justice Ministry hopes to revise the Criminal Code in next year's ordinary Diet session to enable the government to charge those involved in human trafficking.
But this action does not extend to significantly improving the nation's support system for victims. Police and judicial authorities will devise a plan this year, but the practical effects remain questionable.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to use women's consultation centers run by local governments and private-sector shelters to provide victims with temporary protection. But these facilities focus on assisting victims of domestic violence.
If the government is to rely on private shelters that barely have enough funds to operate, it should begin offering them financial support.
There are numerous problems to solve, including helping the victims return to society and stay away from prostitution."
Kansas City Star, October 26, 2004
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