The latest moves follow the release of an annual report in which the United States downgraded its assessment of Japan's efforts against human trafficking, putting the nation on a special watch list of countries on the verge of falling into the worst category.

According to the officials, the government is studying measures such as a revision of the Penal Code to make human trafficking a crime or the enactment of a new law that would stipulate criminal punishment for human trafficking.

The new law envisions a comprehensive set of measures that would include protection and relief provisions for victims of trafficking.

(Protect the victims on Page 8)

The Japan Times Weekly: July 10, 2004
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