The 184th International Training Course“Countermeasures against trafficking in persons, with a focus on trafficking in persons
for sexual exploitation”
1. Duration and Participants
From 9 to 29 May 2024
19 overseas participants from 18 countries
5 participants from Japan
2. The purpose of the course
This course aimed to have participants learn the current situation of trafficking inpersons in Japan and around the world and to explore effective countermeasures. In
addition, this course also aimed to enhance the participants’ mutual understanding andestablish a global network among participants.
3. Contents of the course(1) Lectures
Overseas ExpertsA) “Countermeasures against trafficking in persons, with a focus on trafficking inpersons for sexual exploitation”
Ms. Silke Albert (Crime Prevention Expert, Human Trafficking and Migrant
Smuggling Section, Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch, Division
for Treaty Affairs, UNODC)B) “U.S. Countermeasures Against Trafficking in Persons”
Ms. Kimberly Sokolich (Resident Legal Advisor for the Department of Justice,
Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training(OPDAT), Prosecutor)C) “Human Trafficking in Canada”
Ms. Cinthya Rebaza (Director of Serious and Organized Crime Policy, Public
Safety Canada)
Ms. Lori-Ann Smith (Senior Policy Advisor on Public Safety Canada’s antihuman trafficking policy team)Ms. Ellen Wiltsie-Brown (Counsel, Department of Justice, Canada)
Lectures by Japanese ExpertsA) “Measures against trafficking in persons in Japan”
Mr. OKI Kuniaki (Superintendent, Safety Division, Community Safety Bureau,
National Police Agency)
B) “Trafficking in persons cases at the Metropolitan Police Department”
Mr. TAKEDA Nobukazu (Inspector, Safety Division, Community Safety
Bureau of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)C) “Countermeasures against Trafficking in Persons by Immigration ServicesAgency”

Mr. HOSHI Tomoya (Deputy Director of Adjudication Division in Immigration
Services Agency of Japan)D) “IOM’s Roles in Assisting Victims of Trafficking”
Mr. MOCHIZUKI Daihei (Chief of Mission, IOM, Mission in Japan)(2) Individual Presentations
Each participant made an “Individual Presentation” describing the current situationand challenges in the participant’s country. Participants asked many questions to thepresenters and an active discussion was held.
(3) Observation VisitThe participants visited Haneda Airport (Haneda Airport District Immigration
Services Office, Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, Immigration Services
Agency of Japan). They learned countermeasures against trafficking in persons throughimmigration control in the airport and observed the facilities and immigration control
practices.
(4) Group Discussion
Participants were divided into three groups and engaged in group discussion about
effective countermeasures against trafficking in persons based on the knowledge gained in
the individual presentations, lectures and observation visit. For example, they focused onthe difficulty of detection, the necessity of a trauma-informed approach and theimportance of preventive measures, and they discussed various measures based on thesefactors. Each group presented an overview of its discussion and held a Q&A session with
their fellow participants.
4. Feedback from the Participants
Most participants commented that this course was well-structured and that they learned
a lot. On the other hand, there were also comments that a case study or role play could
have been included. We appreciate all the feedback from the participants and will take itinto consideration and try to improve our training courses.
5. Comments from the Programming Officer
Trafficking in persons occurs in every region of the world and its victims suffer
physical, sexual, financial, psychological and/or social damage and harm. Especially, interms of trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation, most victims are vulnerable people
such as women and children. Therefore, various measures and considerations arenecessary for their protection and for the prevention of secondary victimization. The
participants deepened their understanding of the importance of a trauma-informed
approach through the lectures by experts. For example, participants understood thatinterviews to victims should be made in a way of preventing secondary victimization andthe credibility of their statements should not be underestimated even though the statements
may appear inconsistent or irrational, considering their trauma etc. In addition, participants
understood again that it is important to collect corroborant evidences.
Through this course, we recalled that trafficking in persons is one of the most serious
global problems that impacts every country and that socio-economic factors such aspoverty and immigration are root causes. At the same time, we learned that each country
has various measures for detection, investigation and victim protection etc.
All participants were very active and engaged enthusiastically in the activities of thecourse. They learned the current situation, legal systems and good practices in othercountries and around the world and discussed them. I learned a lot from the participants.
For example, participants emphasized the importance of preventive measures, considering
difficulty of detection and investigation and the gravity of harm to the victims.
I hope that the knowledge and information gained in this course will be utilized in thedevelopment and enhancement of each participating country.