MYTHS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

MYTH #1: Human trafficking is the forced transportation of people across borders.

Reality: Forced transportation in the absence of slavery-like labor or commercial sexual exploitation is usually considered the crime of kidnapping. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery through labor or commercial sexual exploitation, and does not require transportation to occur, though transportation may be involved.

MYTH #2: Trafficking victims are only foreign nationals.

Reality: Both the U.N. Protocol and U.S. federal law use definitions of trafficking in persons that do not require crossing of international or state borders. Many trafficked persons are victims of internal or domestic trafficking - trafficking within the borders of a single country, and are themselves nationals of that country. Indeed, even in Japan, trafficking victims do not only include foreign nationals but also Japanese women and children who are threatened, deceived or forced into the sex industry.

MYTH #3: Are foreign women who work in the sex industry criminals?

Reality: The notion that foreign women working as hostesses or masseuses in the sex industry are “illegal immigrants” and “illegal workers” is widespread, and portrays these women as criminals. Not all foreign women involved with the sex industry are victims of human trafficking. However, it is a reality that many of these women are burdened by liabilities and falsely inflated debts comprised of transportation costs to Japan, living expenses, and other commission costs. In addition, they may have their passports confiscated, essentially depriving them of their freedom and reducing them to a slave-like state.

MYTH #4: Poverty and inequality are the causes of human trafficking.

Reality: While poverty and inequality are important factors in making certain populations more vulnerable to being trafficked, they are not the primary cause of trafficking. Trafficking is a criminal industry driven by 1) the ability to make large profits due to high demand, and 2) negligible-to-low risk of prosecution. As long as demand is unchecked and the risks for traffickers are low, trafficking will exist regardless of other contributing factors. Blaming poverty and inequality alone is not only inaccurate and disheartening, it tends to deflect blame from the key actors that perpetuate trafficking - the traffickers themselves and their customers. Polaris Project believes that as a nation with high demand for trafficked persons, Japan must improve its judicial system and strengthen penal regulations for violators.

MYTH #5: There's not much I can do about such a huge issue.

Reality: Together - we can make a huge difference! We were founded by regular community members like yourself, as were historic organizations like the Underground Railroad. Organizations like Polaris Project live and breathe based on the contributions and dedication of community members. Making a financial donation, a gift of time, goods, or services, or helping to raise awareness are some of the things collectively that help victims everyday. Please join us and be welcomed into the growing movement to combat slavery today!