'Anti-Human Trafficking Act' Covering Prostitution and Exploitation to Take Effect in January 2023

Promulgation of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act... Covering Sex Trafficking, Labor Exploitation, and Organ Harvesting
Ministry of Gender Equality to Establish Comprehensive Anti-Human Trafficking Plans Every 5 Years
New Victim Rights Protection Agency to Enhance Early Identification and Protection of Victims

Prostitution and obscene flyers (not directly related to the article content) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Anti-Human Trafficking Act, which comprehensively covers prevention of human trafficking including sex trafficking and sexual exploitation through fraud, labor exploitation, as well as protection and support for victims, will come into effect on January 1, 2023.

On the 20th, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced the promulgation of the "Act on the Prevention of Human Trafficking and Protection of Victims," which defines the concept of human trafficking, establishes an integrated inter-ministerial response system, and strengthens victim identification, protection, and support.

Unlike the Criminal Act which punishes "human trafficking," the Anti-Human Trafficking Act explicitly states that the acts are committed for the purpose of exploitation such as sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, and organ harvesting. It is broadly defined to comply with international standards such as those of the UN. It also includes provisions for the protection and support of foreign workers who have suffered labor exploitation.

Related crimes that were scattered across 11 laws including the Criminal Act are now integrated under the category of "human trafficking crimes," which prevents issues such as improper understanding of the crime situation or dilution of the severity of the crime due to separate application of individual laws. For example, forced labor as a human trafficking crime can no longer be misinterpreted merely as a violation of the Labor Standards Act.

The policy system for preventing human trafficking has been unified, and a legal basis has been established to provide tailored support to victims throughout the entire process of identification, protection, and support. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will establish a comprehensive plan on human trafficking every five years and build an integrated inter-ministerial response system including the "Human Trafficking Prevention Policy Council" under the Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs.

Victim rights protection agencies dedicated to victim support will be newly established at central and regional levels. A reporting and reception system will be set up at these agencies to take initial measures such as referral to medical institutions when harm is recognized, provide medical care, legal counseling, lodging, employment support through victim support facilities, and assist in investigation and trial procedures for crime victims.

Jeong Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, said, "The enactment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act is a meaningful first step toward eradicating the serious human rights violation of human trafficking and establishing a government-wide response system. Before the law takes effect, we will meticulously prepare policy designs such as subordinate legislation and the establishment of victim protection and support delivery systems to ensure the smooth operation of the enacted law."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.