Japan
Sexual exploitation of children
Aiki Matsukura (she/her) has been actively engaged in volunteer work since high school. As a youth member of Free the Children Japan, Aiki and her friends raised funds for two years, and donated a library for children living under poverty in Mongolia. Aiki continued to support its operation for five years. Her volunteer activity has been recognized by Soroptimist International and she was awarded the Violet Richardson Award in 2009.
Studying at Soka University of America in the U.S., Aiki was involved in conducting a field research project on Microfinance in Panama and on Child rights and Education in Indonesia. She wrote her senior thesis on An Analysis of Historical and Contemporary Sex Trafficking in Japan.
In 2010, Aiki attended the first ever G(irls) 20 Summit held in Toronto as the delegate of Japan. In 2013, she graduated the university with B.A. in Liberal Arts specializing in International Studies. Since 2014, Aiki has worked for a Japanese NGO supporting victims of sex trafficking, “Lighthouse: Center for Human Trafficking Victims” for almost 8 years. She played various roles at the organization. As a manager of Public Relations, she was in charge of awareness raising campaigns, gave talks at schools and companies, and was vocal in media on the issue. She also responded to calls and emails on the hotline and provided direct support to the survivors. Aiki is committed to realizing a world in which every child’s rights are respected.
“The reason I became a human rights educator is that I strongly wish to create a society where no one lives in fear of experiencing any kind of violence.”
Discussion questions
How do you understand the notion of “sexual exploitation of children”? How is sexual exploitation a violation of children’s rights?
What do you know about the sexual exploitation of children being perpetrated in your context? Who is responsible for ensuring that children’s rights are protected and that victims receive support?
One area of Aiki’s work is prevention of sexual exploitation of children. Why do you think prevention is important? What can be done in this regard?
How can human rights education help victims of sexual exploitation address the trauma that they have suffered?
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This multimedia educational tool is co-published by the United Nations (OHCHR), Amnesty International and Soka Gakkai International.