Slavery still exists.  Estimated to be the third largest criminal industry in the world (after arms and drugs), many are surprised to learn that not only does the trafficking of humans still exist, but that it is a thriving business on a global scale.  The U.S. Department of State estimates that each year as many as 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders, over 80 percent of whom are women.  Many more people (possibly millions) are bought and sold, but never cross international borders.  Asia is heavily affected, and trafficking is prevalent both within countries and across international borders.  The International Labor Organization estimates that trafficking may represent up to 3 percent of the GDP of countries in Southeast Asia.  Many of the victimized end up in Japan, with its robust economy and lucrative sex industry. 

Modeled on the grassroots spirit of the Underground Railroad, The Polaris Project is dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery at the micro and macro levels.  Polaris Project launched its Japan Campaign Against Trafficking (JCAT) program in Tokyo in 2004 to target the demand side of trafficking in Asia.  JCAT provides services such as multi-lingual hotlines; direct aid such as clothing and transportation; referrals to providers of long-term shelter, legal and other forms of professional assistance; and collaborative advocacy and discussion forums among NGOs, embassies, and the local police.  As of 2006, it has been estimated that the Director of JCAT may be the only professional in Japan exclusively devoted to fighting the issue of human trafficking. 

Polaris Project was founded by two former Brown University students, who were compelled to act upon the shocking discovery of trafficked Korean women in their college town of Providence, Rhode Island.  Polaris Project has since established a strong reputation by testifying before the United States Congress, advising the Lifetime network on a human trafficking mini-series and winning the prestigious BRICK award for public service.  Polaris’ programs are both realistic and ambitious, providing direct services where possible and working at the macro level to influence the political and legal environment.  In the Running will support Polaris’ expanding initiatives in Asia; an area where the problem is grave, and there is much work left to do to end the depraved commoditization of human lives.