Human Rights Bureau
Ministry of Justice, Japan
Scan the Two-dimensional
code for more detailed
information.
(MOJ website:
https://www.moj.go.jp/
ENGLISH/HB/hb.html)
FY2023
The Protection of
Human Rights
The Protection of
Human Rights
Summary of the White Paper
on Human Rights Education and Awareness Raising
Summary of the White Paper
on Human Rights Education and Awareness Raising
Introduction
Under the Constitution of Japan, which guarantees fundamental human rights for all
people, the government of Japan has taken various initiatives concerning human
rights, which include the development of related systems and accession to international
human rights conventions.
However, there are still cases of unjust discrimination and human rights violations
based on social status, family origin, race, ethnic group, creed, gender, disabilities, or
other grounds.
In order to achieve a peaceful and affluent society in which all people can coexist
while respecting each other's human rights, it is vital to develop a spirit of respect for
human rights in each and every individual in the country, and it is human rights
education and awareness-raising activities that play significant roles in that process.
The Ministry of Justice has been carrying out diverse human rights awareness-raising
activities with human rights volunteers in the private sector and in cooperation with
other ministries and agencies, local governments and private companies, etc. so that all
people can gain a sensible awareness of the significance of respecting human rights
and can act properly with due consideration to other people's human rights based on
that awareness.
This booklet outlines the mechanism and activities of the human rights bodies of the
Ministry of Justice, and explains the human rights issues that are currently attracting
people's attention in particular, as part of the human rights awareness-raising activities
of the Ministry of Justice broadly targeting the general public.
January, 2024
Human Rights Bureau
Ministry of Justice
1-The Human Rights Bureau of the Ministry of Justice and Local Officess (p.2)
2-Human Rights Volunteers (p.3)
1. The Human Rights Bodies of the Ministry of Justice2.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues
: The Core Human Rights Conventions Japan Signed (p.53)
Material
: 41st National Essay Contest on Human Rights for Junior High School Students (p.18)
Material
: Japan's Efforts Concerning Business and Human Rights (p.20)
Material
: Human Rights Counseling in Foreign Languages (p.41)
Material
: Efforts for Solving Children's Troubles Caused by Their Guardians' Religious Faith (p.29)
Material
: Basic Act on Children (p.28)
Material
Table of Contents
1-Women - Sex Crimes and Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Harassment -(p.22)
2-Children - Bullying, Corporal Punishment, Child Abuse, Sexual Exploitation - (p.24)
3-Elderly People (p.30)
5-Buraku Discrimination (Dowa Issue) (p.34)
6-The Ainu People (p.37)
7-Foreigners (p.39)
8-Patients of Infections (p.42)
9-Present and Former Hansen's Disease (also known internationally as leprosy) Patients and Their Families (p.43)
10-People Released from Prison after Serving Their Sentence and Their Families (p.45)
11-Crime Victims and Their Families (p.46)
12-Human Rights Violations on the Internet (p.47)
13-Victims Abducted by North Korean Authorities (p.49)
4-Persons with Disabilities (p.32)
14-Homeless People (p.50)
15-Sexual Minorities (p.51)
16-Trafficking in Persons (Coercive Sexual Services and Labor) (p.52)
17-Human Rights Problems Arising after an Earthquake or Other Disaster (p.53)
1-Investigation and Remedy Procedures for Human Rights Violation Cases (p.6)
Examples of Remedied Human Rights Violation Cases (p.8)
2-Human Rights Counseling (p.12)
3-Human Rights Awareness-Raising (p.13)
3. Major Human Rights Issues
4. Topic: Opinion Poll on Human Rights Protection(p.54)
2. Activities of the Human Rights Bodies of the Ministry of Justice
* In this booklet, Two-dimensional codes linking to booklets prepared by the human rights bodies of the
Ministry of Justice or to related websites are included. Link destinations are all in Japanese but the
Two-dimensional codes are for broadly introducing the bodies' initiatives.4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
2 The Protection of Human Rights
A variety of problems concerning human
rights occur around us. This particular
Chapter introduces the structure of the
human rights bodies of the Ministry of
Justice established to address such
problems.
The Human Rights Bureau of the Ministry of Justice and Local Offices1-The Human Rights Bureau of the Ministry of Justice is a national administrative organ
centrally taking charge of human rights promotion and protection. It has local subordinate
offices: the Human Rights Departments of the Legal Affairs Bureaus and the Human Rights
Divisions of the District Legal Affairs Bureaus. They, in collaboration with their further
branches, carry out the function of promotion and protection of human right.
Human rights
counseling
1. The Human Rights Bodies of the Ministry of Justice
Structure:
The Human Rights Bodies of the Ministry of Justice (as of June 1, 2023)
Ministry of Justice
(Human Rights Bureau)
Human Rights Volunteers Organization
(report, coordination, research and opinion exchange, etc.
among Human Rights Volunteers)
National Federation of Associations of
Human Rights Volunteers
Regional Associations of
Human Rights Volunteers (8)
Prefectural Associations of
Human Rights Volunteers (50)
Human Rights Volunteers Councils (314)
About 14,000 Human Rights Volunteers
in municipalities nationwide
Branches Branches
261 branches
Legal Affairs
Bureaus
(Human Rights Departments)
District Legal Affairs
Bureaus
(Human Rights Divisions)
42 District Legal Affairs Bureaus
located at the seats of prefectural
governments excluding those
where Legal Affairs Bureaus are
situated (in addition, located in
Hakodate, Asahikawa, and
Kushiro in Hokkaido)
8 Legal Affairs Bureaus in
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya,
Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sendai,
Sapporo, and Takamatsu
The Protection of Human Rights 32.Activitiesofthe
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Human
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Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Appointment Process of Human Rights Volunteer
Minister of Justice
Directors of Legal Affairs
Bureaus or District Legal
Affairs Bureaus
-Bar Associations
-Prefectural Associations
of Human Rights
Volunteers
[3] Recommendation [1] Request for recommendation[2]Opinions
Requestforopinions[4]Opinions
Requestforopinions
Candidates for Human
Rights Volunteers
Human Rights Volunteers
Mayors Municipal Assemblies
Those who have a great personality,
deep insight, and extensive knowledge
of the realities in society as well as a
deep understanding of human rights
This symbol mark has been used since December 1992 with the aim of ensuring the
uniformity and originality of awareness-raising activities by the human rights bodies of the
Ministry of Justice and building a sense of affinity concerning human rights promotion and
protection activities among people to increase the effect of the activities.
Symbol Mark for
Human Rights
Promotion and
Protection Activities
[5] Appointment
Human Rights Volunteers2-Human Rights Volunteers are private citizens appointed by the Minister of Justice. The Human
Rights Volunteers System was established based on the concept that it would be effective for
people in various fields to encourage respect for human rights in the local community, to make
efforts to avoid violation of the human rights of the residents, and to promote and protect human
rights. Such initiative in public-private collaboration is unparalleled in any other country.
At present, there are approximately 14,000 Volunteers in all of the municipalities of cities, towns,
and villages across the country (including special wards in Tokyo), and experience in they
are proceeding with proactive activities taking advantage of their own careers and their
individual specialized fields.
Human Rights Volunteers are counseling partners available in your town. They provide
counseling free of charge and will keep your case confidential. Feel free to consult them if you
have any problems.
4 The Protection of Human Rights
Activities in disaster areas
(visiting temporary evacuation homes)
Human Rights Flower Campaign
Lecture at a local company Human rights awareness-raising activities using
local FM broadcasting
Human Rights Volunteers provide human rights counseling services not only at Legal Affairs
Bureaus and District Legal Affairs Bureaus but also at ad-hoc centers set up at public offices,
social welfare facilities and commercial facilities.
Once a complaint is raised by a potential victim at a human rights counseling session or through
other route to the effect that his/her human right has been violated, Human Rights Volunteers
conduct an investigation and strive to amicably settle the case by mediating between the parties
in cooperation with officials from the Legal Affairs Bureaus or the District Legal Affairs
Bureaus.
Moreover, Human Rights Volunteers carry out human rights awareness-raising activities aimed
at gaining local residents' awareness on human rights (such as holding "Human Rights
Lectures" (refer to p.16) and the "Human Rights Flower Campaigns" (refer to p.17) for
elementary school students and kindergarten children, with the aim of teaching them the
importance of caring for other people, and giving lectures on human rights at local companies)
and introduce their activities through local FM broadcasts. In this manner, they are carrying out
activities deeply rooted in individual local communities.
■しかく Activities of Human Rights Volunteers
The Protection of Human Rights 52.Activitiesofthe
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Bodiesofthe
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Human
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Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
June 1 is "Human Rights Volunteers' Day"
The National Federation of Associations of Human Rights Volunteers has set June 1 as Human
Rights Volunteers' Day to commemorate the day on which the "Human Rights Volunteers Act"
entered into effect (June 1, 1949). Around every anniversary day, ad-hoc counseling centers are
set up and various human rights awareness-raising activities are undertaken across the country
aiming for deeper understanding of human rights.
Emblem of Human Rights
Volunteers
The design of wood sorrel on the exterior frame and a
chrysanthemum inside, shaping the kanji character
"人" ('hito' meaning "human") within. Wood sorrel
is a strong plant which spreads by sticking close to
the ground and it symbolizes the hope that the
concept of respect for human rights will spread.
Poster "Human Rights Volunteers System"
Face-to-face human rights counseling
6 The Protection of Human Rights ■しかく Investigation and Remedy Procedures
2. Activities of the Human Rights Bodies of the Ministry of Justice
How the human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice protect your
human rights? Their activities can be divided into the following areas:
investigation and remedy procedures for human rights violation cases,
human rights counseling, and awareness-raising for human rights. This
Chapter describes such activities of the human rights bodies of the
Ministry of Justice.
Investigation and Remedy Procedures
for Human Rights Violation Cases1-Investigation and Remedy Procedures for Human Rights Violation Cases
A suspected case where human rights may be violated is called a "human rights violation case."
If a victim of human rights violation seeks a remedy, the bodies promptly initiate remedy
procedures. The bodies may also initiate the procedures when they become aware of a suspected
case of human rights violation from other sources including newspapers or magazines.
During the remedy procedures, the bodies undertake investigation to confirm whether or not
human rights violation has occurred. However, the bodies do not have the power for compulsory
investigation like the police or public prosecutors, so their investigation is based on the
voluntary cooperation of the people concerned.
Seeking for
a Remedy
Human
Rights
Bodie
of the
Ministry
of Justice
Aftercare /
Notifying the Resul
Aftercare /
Notifying the Resul
There are many types
of measures to be taken.
Awareness-raising activities
to respect human rights
are also carried out.
InvestigationsFactFindingofViolation
MeasuresforRemedy
Sometimes the fact cannot
be found.
The Protection of Human Rights 72.Activitiesofthe
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Bodiesofthe
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Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Others: 1,800 (22.9%)
Privacy violation:
1,462 (18.6%)
Violation of the security
of residence and living:
606 (7.7%)
Workers' rights violation:
1,138 (14.5%)
Assault, abuse:
1,003 (12.8%)
Bullying at school:
1,047 (13.3%)
Compulsion, coercion:
803 (10.2%)
As a result of the investigation, the bodies will take appropriate measures depending on the case.
There are seven kinds of measures including "assistance" to provide legal advice or non-legal
advice, "conciliation" to mediate talks between the parties concerned, "instructions" or
"recommendation" to make a human rights violator improve the situation, and "request" to a
third party for effective responses. Of these measures, the measures of "assistance" and
"conciliation" may be taken at effective times even during the investigation. The bodies will
also take action to raise awareness of the people concerned about human rights, as the case may be.
After closing the case, the results are notified to the victim and, where necessary, aftercare is
provided for the victim through cooperation with the relevant administrative organs or by
contacting the people concerned.
■しかく Breakdown of the Number of Human Rights Violation Cases in 2022
7,859 Cases
8 The Protection of Human Rights
❶ Bullying Bullying at an elementary school
Examples of Remedied Human Rights Violation Cases
The following cases are examples of the cases the human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice
dealt with in 2022.
This is a case in which a parent of an elementary school child consulted with the human
rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice, alleging that his/her child had been bullied by
classmates, such as being teased for his/her stuttering, but the school had failed to take
sufficient measures and the child had been forced to miss school.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the class teacher had received
consultations from the child multiple times but did not make a report to the school principal
and that the school failed to take appropriate measures and left the bullying to continue.
The bodies requested the school principal to make further efforts to prevent damage due to
bullying (a case of "request").
This is a case in which a junior high school student made a consultation with the "Human
Rights Counseling Service on social media" alleging that he/she had been hit or otherwise
assaulted by his/her parent and that he/she would like to go to the police to ask for protection
by a child guidance center.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice promptly provided the information to the
police office and child guidance center closest to the relevant student's residence and asked
them to deal with the case.
As a result, the student was taken into custody by the police, and thereafter, the student was
moved into a facility of a child guidance center. Thus, the safety of the student was secured
promptly (a case of "assistance").
❷ Abuse Abuse against a junior high school student
This is a case in which a guardian of an elementary school child consulted with the human
rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice, alleging that the elementary school to which his/her
child is attending had failed to take measures sufficiently against violent acts committed by
the child's classmate.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the school was taking measures
for the classmate and had an intention to provide the relevant guardian with explanations on
the measures being taken.
The bodies informed the school of the guardian's request for proper measures against bullying, and also
provided the guardian with explanations on the school's responses. The guardian understood this and a
relationship of trust could be built between the parties (a case of "conciliation").
❸ Guidance at school Insufficient guidance at an elementary school
The Protection of Human Rights 92.Activitiesofthe
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Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
This is a case in which a trainee consulted with the human rights bodies of the Ministry of
Justice, alleging that a lecturer made sexual remarks to him/her during a training session.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the lecturer made sexual
remarks to the trainee during the training session.
The bodies told the lecturer that the relevant remarks are sexual ones against the will of the
trainee and fall under sexual harassment, and explained the concept of respecting human
rights. The lecturer expressed his/her apologies (a case of "awareness raising").
❹ Sexual harassment Sexual harassment targeting a trainee by a lecturer
This is a case in which an employee consulted with the human rights bodies of the Ministry
of Justice, alleging that he/she had requested talks with the company regarding an internal
transfer order given by his/her boss ordering him/her to work alone in a place that was
provided for a purpose other than office work, but that his/her desk was removed and he/she
was forced to change his/her workplace.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the order was given to the
employee without reasonable grounds, and that such act inflicted emotional distress on
him/her through separation from personal relationships in the office and falls under power
harassment.
The bodies explained that the relevant act of the boss, who was in the position to maintain a
good working environment, cannot be overlooked from the perspective of protecting human
rights, and instructed the boss to admit the unfairness of the act, deepen the understanding of
power harassment, and refrain from committing similar acts in the future (a case of "instruction").
❺ Power harassment Power harassment against a subordinate by his/
her boss at work
This is a case in which a Human Rights Volunteer consulted with the human rights bodies of
the Ministry of Justice, alleging that the Volunteer had been temporarily protecting a wife
victimized by her husband's violence.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the wife had a strong fear of
her husband. Accordingly, the bodies promptly provided the information to a women's
consulting office and asked it to take required measures.
As a result, the wife and her children were taken into custody by the women's consulting
office and their safety was secured. At the same time, relevant organizations shared the
information and a support system for them was built (a case of "assistance").
❻ Domestic violence Violence and verbal abuse targeting a wife by
a husband
10 The Protection of Human Rights
❽ Discriminatory treatment Refusal of lending of a rental motorcycle to
a foreign national
This is a case in which a parent of a junior high school student consulted with the human rights
bodies of the Ministry of Justice, alleging that the student was being harassed by a classmate
and his/her family members.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the police had issued a warning
to them and had put in place a system to move in quickly to assist him/her upon a report by the
student, etc.
The bodies informed the student's parent of the aforementioned status of responses by the
police and gave advice on such matters as how to have talks with the classmate and his/her
family members. The student's parent understood this (a case of "assistance").
❼ Stalking Harassment against a junior high school student
This is a case in which a user of a public bathhouse consulted with the human rights bodies of
the Ministry of Justice, alleging that an employee of the public bathhouse told the user, who
had rashes due to a (non-infectious) skin disease, not to come as other users were displeased.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the employee made the relevant
statement and that there are no legal grounds for the public bathhouse to refuse the user's use
thereof.
The bodies explained that a public bathhouse has public nature and that the public bathhouse's
act of refusing the user only based on the circumstances where other users were displeased
with his/her appearance constitutes unreasonable prejudice and discrimination against the user
beyond the freedom to conduct business and cannot be overlooked from the perspective of
protecting human rights, and instructed the public bathhouse to refrain from committing
similar acts in the future (a case of "instruction").
❾ Discriminatory treatment Refusal of a patient's use of a public bathhouse
This is a case in which a foreign national consulted with the "Human Rights Counseling
Services on the Internet," alleging that his/her request for renting a motorcycle was rejected
on the grounds that he/she is a foreign national.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the rental shop had adopted a
policy to uniformly refuse to lend motorcycles to foreign nationals, but the shop came to
understand during the investigation that such policy may fall under undue discrimination
against foreign nationals and reviewed the relevant policy.
The bodies informed the foreign national of the review of the shop's policy, and he/she
showed understanding regarding this (a case of "conciliation").
The Protection of Human Rights 112.Activitiesofthe
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Rights
Protection
⓫ Human rights violation
information on the internet
Infringement of a sense of honor on the internet
⓬ Human rights violation
information on the interne
Privacy violation on the internet
This is a case in which a victim consulted with the human rights bodies of the Ministry of
Justice, alleging that messages stating that he/she is a foreigner residing in Japan or insulting
him/her using a derogatory name, etc. on the grounds of his/her attributes as a foreigner
residing in Japan had been posted on an electronic bulletin board multiple times.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that messages insulting the victim,
such as likening him/her to a worm or denying his/her existence, were posted multiple times
and that those messages infringe the victim's sense of honor.
The bodies requested the site administrator to delete those posts and they were all deleted (a
case of "request").
This is a case in which a person consulted with the human rights bodies of the Ministry of
Justice, alleging that his/her neighbor had continuously made discriminatory comments in
relation to the Dowa issue, pointing out that he/she is from a Buraku or urging him/her to
return to the relevant Buraku.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the neighbor made the relevant
comments, but during the investigation, the neighbor promised not to behave like that
anymore.
The bodies explained that such comments made without understanding and awareness of the
Dowa issue harm other people's human rights and dignity and cannot be overlooked from the
perspective of protecting human rights, and instructed the neighbor to deepen correct
understanding and awareness regarding respect for fundamental human rights and the Dowa
issue, and to refrain from committing similar acts in the future (a case of "instruction").
❿ Discriminatory treatment Discriminatory comments concerning the Dowa issue
This is a case in which a victim consulted with the human rights bodies of the Ministry of
Justice, alleging that his/her telephone number is posted together with his/her name on an
electronic bulletin board.
As a result of an investigation by the bodies, it was found that the victim's telephone number,
which had not been published, was posted on the electronic bulletin board and that this
violated the victim's privacy righ.
The bodies requested the site administrator to delete the post and it was deleted (a case of
"request").
12 The Protection of Human Rights
Human Rights Counseling2-The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice provide human rights counseling services by
officials of Legal Affairs Bureaus and Human Rights Volunteers. The counseling service is free
of charge, with no difficult procedures, and is strictly confidential.
The bodies have established the "Human Rights Hotline" (0570-003-110 [from anywhere in
Japan]), the "Women's Rights Hotline" (0570-070-810) and the "Children's Rights Hotline"
(0120-007-110). Furthermore, Human Rights Counseling Services on the internet and LINE are
also available.
Additionally, efforts have been made to develop a system for facilitating children's use of
counseling services, such as through the use of letters by distributing the "Children's Rights SOS
Mini-Letters" (letter paper with a pre-stamped envelope for human rights counseling) to
elementary and junior high school students throughout the country (refer to p.27).
For foreigners who are unable to speak Japanese fluently, the bodies have established the
"Foreign-language Human Rights Hotline" and "Human Rights Counseling Centers for
Foreigners" (refer to p.41).
Leaflets for disseminating systems for counseling and
remedy procedures for human rights violations
The Protection of Human Rights 132.Activitiesofthe
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Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Human Rights Awareness-Raising3-The Priority Goal of Awareness-Raising Activities
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice have been carrying out various activities to
improve each citizen's awareness and understanding of human rights.
Some examples of the activities are the holding of symposiums and lectures; conducting various
forms of training such as Human Rights Lectures; publishing awareness-raising materials on
websites and video distribution sites; displaying banner ads on the internet; utilizing publicity
using broadcasts such as TV and radio, etc.; and running articles in newspapers and public
relations magazines. These activities are collectively called "human rights awareness-raising
activities."
Human rights awareness-raising activities are indispensable in preventing human rights
violations in advance.
Ever since FY1966, the bodies have set a priority goal for
the year and have conducted awareness-raising activities
based on the goal.
The slogan representing the priority goal for FY2023 was
decided as "It's not someone else's problem." This slogan
incorporates the wish that everyone will consider various
human rights issues not as matters for someone else but as
matter for themselves and think about the importance of
respect for human rights.
The bodies set the 17 human rights issues as priority
targets with the aim of achieving an inclusive society
where diversity is respected and all people mutually
cherish individuals' human rights and dignity and can
live a vibrant life.
Poster "The Priority Goal
for Awareness-Raising Activities for 2023"
14 The Protection of Human Rights
Poster "75rd Human Rights Week"
Human Rights Week
The United Nations designated December 10 as Human Rights Day
at its 5th General Assembly on December 4, 1950 in commemoration
of December 10, 1948, the day that the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights was adopted at its 3rd General Assembly, and
recommended that member states further promote the development
of human right.
In Japan, the week ending on December 10 each year (December 4
to December 10) was designated as Human Rights Week in 1949,
the year following the adoption of the Declaration, and human rights
awareness-raising activities have been carried out throughout the
country since then.
Priority Targets of Awareness-Raising Activities
1 Protect Women's Human Rights
2 Protect Children's Human Rights
3 Protect Elderly People's Human Rights
4 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination on the Grounds of Disabilities
5 Resolve the Buraku Discrimination(Dowa Issue)
6 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination against Ainu People
7 Respect the Human Rights of Foreigners
8 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination Related to Infectious Diseases
9 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination against Present and Former Hansen's Disease Patients
and Their Families
10 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination against People Released from Prison after Serving
Their Sentences
11 Consider the Human Rights of Crime Victims and their Families
12 Eliminate Human Rights Violations on the Internet
13 Deepen Understanding of the Issue of Human Rights Violations by North Korean Authorities
14 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination against Homeless People
15 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination regarding "Sexual Minorities"
16 Stop Trafficking in Persons
17 Eliminate Prejudice and Discrimination Arising from Disasters such as Earthquakes
The Protection of Human Rights 152.Activitiesofthe
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Rights
Protection
Collection of award-winning essays
for the 41st National Essay Contest
on Human Rights forJunior High
School Students
The Networks of Human Rights Awareness-Raising Activities
National Essay Contest on Human Rights for Junior High School Students
The Prefectural Network Associations of Human Rights Awareness-Raising Activities was
established at a prefectural level and the Regional Network Associations of Human Rights
Awareness-Raising Activities was established at a municipal level as an interlinking network
among the bodies implementing human rights awareness-raising activities, such as the human
rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice, the prefectural governments, municipal governments,
and public interest corporations.
Members have been cooperating through this network in conducting human rights awareness-
raising activities and providing relevant information, etc.
The National Essay Contest on Human Rights for Junior High School Students has been held
since FY1981 for the purpose of enabling junior high school students, who will lead the next
generation, to deepen their understanding of the importance and necessity of human rights and
to foster awareness of human rights through writing essays on human rights issues.
In FY2022 (the 41st contest), 768,623 essays were applied from 6,582 schools. Collections of
award-winning essays, awareness-raising videos based on essays that were awarded in the past,
and English translations of award-wining essays are available on the website of the Ministry of
Justice (for the essay that received the Prime Minister's Award in the 41st contest, refer to p.18).
16 The Protection of Human Rights
Human Rights Lectures
Human Rights Lectures are one of the human rights awareness-raising activities carried out
under the initiative of Human Rights Volunteers nationwide, with the aim of nurturing compassion
in children and having them learn about the preciousness of life by providing them with an
opportunity to think about bullying and other topics.
Lectures are held, targeting elementary and junior high school students, on such occasions as
school visits for the Human Rights Flower Campaigns (refer to p.17) or moral education classes.
In recent years, backed by growing domestic and international interest in business and human
rights (refer to p.20), Human Rights Lectures for Adults targeting company managers and
employees (awareness-raising activities for companies) have also come to be held increasingly.
Additionally, Human Rights Lectures with Sports have been held by inviting athletes as
lecturers to have children learn the spirit of fair play based on mutual support through
enjoying games and hearing those lecturers' experiences. Furthermore, Experience-based
Human Rights Lectures, such as using wheelchairs or enjoying sports for persons with
disabilities, like Boccia, are held to have participants learn "barrier-free mind" so as to
understand the diversity and become aware of the importance of realizing an inclusive
society where people live together regardless of differences.
As measures against human rights violations on the internet, which are becoming more and
more serious mainly among young people, Human Rights Lectures in collaboration with Smart-
phone and Mobile Phone Safety Lectures held by mobile phone companies are also being
provided actively.
In FY2022, these Human Rights Lectures were provided for a total of 831,383 people.
Human Rights Lecture
Various contents
targeting companies
are being introduced
on the website
of the Ministry of Justice.
The Protection of Human Rights 172.Activitiesofthe
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Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Human Rights Flower Campaigns
Human Rights Flower Campaigns
The Human Rights Flower Campaigns have been held since 1982 as a human rights awareness-
raising activity carried out mainly for elementary school students. During the Campaigns,
children are given flower seeds or bulbs and grow flowers by cooperating with one another.
Through this experience, children are anticipated to understand the preciousness of life, nurture
a warm-hearted spirit and learn about tenderness and compassion.
Flowers grown by children are sent to social welfare facilities, etc. and sketching and viewing
events are held to deepen communication with local people. In this manner, the Campaigns are
also providing opportunities for those local people to deepen their understanding of human
rights.
In FY2022, the Campaigns were conducted for 421,376 students at 3,764 schools, etc.
18 The Protection of Human Rights
: 41st National Essay Contest on Human Rights
for Junior High School Students
Material
"Toward the World where People can Deeply Take a Breath"
MATSUBA Haruno, Ninth Grade (third year of three grades)
Eishin Junior High School, Eishin Gakuen, Hiroshima Prefecture
I did not understand what people were talking about. I was scared of all people around me. I once
had such experience.
I stayed in America for three years from when I was six years old. I was filled with fear as
everything was new to me in a country where the lifestyle and language are completely different.
I could not understand English, could not make friends, and was alone.
The more I worried that people might be talking about me as I am an Asian, the more I lost
courage to talk to them. However, the situation changed drastically immediately after I started to
go to a local elementary school. There was a white girl who talked to me although I could not
speak English and was passive. She learned Japanese herself and smiled at me while talking in
halting Japanese to cheer me up. I was happy regarding her kindness. I enjoyed being with her,
and the differences in skin colors and languages bothered me less and less. I gradually became
able to talk to people around me positively and my English improved.
Around that time, I went to Las Vegas with my family, and happened to see a shocking scene.
A white man suddenly hurled abuse at and spat on a man wearing a hood just in front of me. The
man wearing a hood made no resistance and walked away as if nothing had happened. The man
wearing a hood was a black. I wondered why the man did not argue back against such an awful
act, but I was merely a second-grade girl and was just shaking with fear. However, I am in the
ninth grade now and understand that at that instance, I witnessed racial discrimination, unforgivable
discrimination as a behavior of a human being. I consider how I would approach that black man
who was spit on by a passerby, if I, as a ninth grader, were on that scene. Could I make any
resistance against that white man?
In May 2020 in America, Mr. George Floyd, a black man, was killed due to excessive restraint
by a white police officer. This reminded me of the scene I witnessed in Las Vegas and my heart
ached whenever I came across media coverage about protest demonstrations or the like. While
being seized by the neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, Mr. Floyd complained to the police
officer, saying "I can't breathe." as many as 27 times. "George Floyd slowly faded away like a
fish in a bag. With his eyes rolling back into his head, he became limp and eventually died." This
is the testimony of a witness on the public prosecutor's side. What did Mr. Floyd think during
these nine minutes? "I can't breathe." His phrase refrained in my brain and I felt uneasy.
The Protection of Human Rights 192.Activitiesofthe
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Bodiesofthe
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Human
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Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
I was almost overwhelmed by such uneasiness and I poured out my feelings to my senior at
school. She is a Philipino-Japanese and is slightly dark-skinned by nature. When she was an
elementary school child, she was teased by her friends by saying her skin was dirty, and was
deeply hurt. After graduating high school, she went to Ireland for study but COVID-19 broke out
globally immediately after that. COVID-19 was said to be originated from China and Chinese
people were subjected to discrimination in Ireland.
One day, she was slandered as "COVID-19!" and was spit on or stoned by white people. She is
usually very communicative and has friends with diverse nationalities. She herself thought that
"she is free from discrimination or bias on the basis of race," but she said that those incidents
made her notice her own sense of discrimination. She reflected that she noticed that she was
displeased with the fact that she was mistaken as a Chinese, rather than resenting having been
discriminated against by white people, and that she was ashamed as a human being when she
recognized herself having such feelings. Hearing her story, I thought as follows: by believing that
"I am free from discrimination," I may have turned a blind eye to discrimination. What my senior
told me is not just other people's problem. Discrimination generates within oneself and this also
applies to me. Unless I always try to look into myself, I cannot detect discrimination. Otherwise,
my heart will never stop complaining that "I can't breathe."
In America, the population of black people is around one-fifth of that of white people. Nevertheless,
the mortality rate for COVID-19 is higher among black people. There should never be any
difference in the value of human life, but actually, some hospitals in America are said to have
refused to even conduct tests for black patients, not to mention providing treatment. I wonder
how my old friend, the girl who kindly talked to me at the age of 6, is considering this reality?
"Black Lives Matter." This is of course true, but I would like to rephrase it into "All Lives
Matter," keeping the cry of the soul, "I can't breathe," which Mr. Floyd repeated in his last
struggle, in my mind. For realizing the world where all people face all others equally as a human
being without making distinctions and can speak in their own words with self-esteem, like the
girl who smiled and talked to me at the age of six. I deeply take a breath and continue shouting
my words to the world: "All people are equal and all have rights to live!"
20 The Protection of Human Rights
: Japan's Efforts Concerning Business and Human Rights
Material
Amid the further globalization of corporate activities, investors, civil society and consumers have
come to have the awareness to expect companies to respect human rights in corporate activities.
At the 17th session of the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, the Guiding Principles on Business
and Human Rights for Implementing the UN "Protect, Respect and Remedy" Framework (the
UNGPs) were endorsed by consensus. The UNGPs present principles on national governments'
obligations to protect human rights, companies' responsibilities to respect human rights, and
access to remedies for human rights infringement in connection with business. In achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), companies are required to act based on respect for
human rights.
With an interest in business and human rights growing domestically and internationally, the
government of Japan formulated the Japan's National Action Plan on Business and Human
Rights in October 2020 after grasping the current legal systems and measures relating to
corporate activities in Japan, having discussions with economic and labor circles, and undergoing
public comment.
The Action Plan describes future measures to be taken by the national government in order to
promote respect for human rights in corporate activities, and presents expectations for companies
to introduce human rights due diligence (to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they
address their impacts on human rights).
Efforts for disseminating the Action Plan and raising awareness on human rights due diligence
are to be made cooperatively by the Cabinet Office and all ministries and agencies.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice are also endeavoring to make companies
understand that corporate activities based on the Action Plan will contribute to the protection and
promotion of human rights in society as a whole, including international society, and will result
in the enhancement of corporate value, and are taking various measures to encourage corporate
activities from the viewpoint of human rights. In FY2022, the bodies prepared a video for
companies' human rights awareness-raising training, titled "Measures Currently Required for
Companies Regarding 'Business and Human Rights'." With regard to a dedicated website, "My
Declaration of Human Rights," which was launched in FY2021, the bodies posted video
advertisements on the internet for dissemination, calling for companies' participation. (This is a
posting - type website where companies, organizations and individuals declare their will to take
actions based on respect for human rights. The website posts declarations of people of over 500
companies regarding their commitments to respecting human rights.) Additionally, the bodies
published an awareness-raising material, titled "Measures Currently Required for Companies
Regarding 'Business and Human Rights'," for companies to conduct training by themselves.
Furthermore, in response to requests from companies, Legal Affairs Bureaus and District Legal
The Protection of Human Rights 212.Activitiesofthe
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Bodiesofthe
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Human
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Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Affairs Bureaus nationwide dispatch their staff and Human Rights Volunteers to provide human
rights training, and deliver awareness-raising leaflets and videos titled "Companies and Human
Rights - Society Respecting Human Rights Starting from Initiatives at Workplaces." In this
manner, the bodies are endeavoring to support companies that are making efforts regarding
business and human rights. For details, make inquiries with nearby Legal Affairs Bureaus,
District Legal Affairs Bureaus or their branches.
"Measures Currently Required
for Companies Regarding 'Business
and Human Rights'" (Booklet and video)
Dedicated website, "My Declaration of Human Rights"
22 The Protection of Human Rights
0 10 20 30 40 50
3. Major Human Rights Issues
This Chapter focuses on the major human rights issues and efforts for
addressing them.
The ideal of gender equality is stipulated in the Constitution of Japan and the principle of gender
equality has been established through specific legislation concerning creation of equal opportunity
for and equal treatment of men and women in employment. In reality, however, fixed ideas on
gender roles, such as that men should work outside and women should remain at home, are
deeply-rooted in society even today and cause various kinds of gender discrimination at home
and in the workplace.
In addition, violence against women such as sexual crimes and violence, abuse by a spouse or
partner (domestic violence), and sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as disadvantageous
treatment due to pregnancy and childbirth have been frequently occurring in recent years.
With regard to women's human rights issues such as those mentioned above, the Act on the
Promotion of Female Participation and Career Advancement in the Workplace, which was
enacted in April 2016, requires the national government and local governments, and employers
that regularly employ a certain number of workers to ascertain the status of female employees'
participation in the workplaces, analyze problems, establish a plan of action with numerical
goals, and publicize the established plan and the information on the status of female employees'
participation. In this manner, efforts have been made to develop an environment to enable
women to fully exercise their abilities in their vocational lives. All employers have come to be
Women–SexCrimesandSexualViolence,DomesticViolence,Harassment–1-Sexual harassment [42.0%]
Discriminatory treatment based on fixed ideas on gender roles [47.0%]
Prostitution [13.3%]
Domestic violence [31.6%]
Nothing particular [18.0%]
Use of terms only specific to women, such as "Mrs.," "widows" [10.9%]
Discriminatory treatment in the workplace,
such as difficulty in assuming managerial positions [39.0%]
Damage due to appearances in pornographic materials [8.1%]
●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey), Cabinet Office
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding women,
what did you recognize as a human rights issue? Multiple answers (%)
The Protection of Human Rights 232.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (violence and abuse
against women)(Note) for which remedy procedures were commenced20212018 2019 2020
(Note) Refer to pp.6-11 for human rights violations cases.43520224301,182 947 629
Violence and abuse
against women
obliged to take measures to prevent power harassment, and the prohibition of any disadvantageous
treatment on grounds such as workers having sought consultations on various types of
harassment is now clearly prescribed in law. Companies are thus required to strengthen their
measures to prevent harassment at workplaces.
As one of the initiatives regarding violence against women, a two-week period from November
12 to November 25 every year is designated as a period for the Campaign to Eliminate Violence
against Women, during which efforts to raise awareness of the general public on this issue are
made and counseling services and support are offered at Spousal Violence Counseling and
Support Centers established nationwide and at One-Stop Support Centers for Victims of Sexual
Crimes and Violence, etc. Furthermore, every April is designated as a Period for Preventing
Sexual Violence Victimization among Young People, and awareness-raising activities targeting
young people are carried out using SNS. As measures against damage due to appearances in
pornographic materials, dissemination of the need to incorporate special provisions, etc. in
performance agreements, enhancement of counseling support, implementation of
awareness-raising PR activities, and strict control, etc. are being promoted based on the Act
on Prevention of and Relief from Damage from Forced Appearances in Pornographic Materials.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice established the "Women's
Rights Hotline" (0570-070-810 [from anywhere in Japan]), a special
telephone service for human rights counseling for women. Officials of the
Legal Affairs Bureaus and Human Rights Volunteers provide counseling
for various human rights problems affecting women, such as abuse by a
spouse or partner (domestic violence), sexual harassment in the workplace,
victimization by stalking behavior, and damage due to appearances in
pornographic materials. The bodies also undertake investigation and human
rights remedy activities as human rights violation cases when they have
found any suspected human rights violation and carry out human rights
awareness-raising activities such as distributing awareness-raising videos.
Awareness-raising video "It's not someone else's problem."
Poster
"Women's Right Hotline"
24 The Protection of Human Rights
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding
children, what did you recognize as a human rights issue?
Multiple answers (%)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey),
Cabinet Office
Children–Bullying,CorporalPunishment,ChildAbuse,SexualExploitation–2-According to the FY2021 Survey on Undesirable Behavior and School Non-attendance of
Students, which the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology conducted,
the number of incidents of violence at elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools
was 76,441 cases and the number of recognized bullying cases was 615,351 cases. The situation
is still alarming. The number of people arrested or taken into custody by the police for incidents
caused by bullying in 2022 was 223.
Among human rights violations for which the human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice
conduct investigations and resolution, cases involving children have remained at a high level,
with 1,047 cases of bullying at school, 75 cases of corporal punishment by school teachers, and
216 cases of violence and abuse against children in 2022.
Bullying
In response to the enactment of the Act for the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Bullying in
June 2013, the Basic Policies to Prevent Bullying was formulated (and revised in March 2017)
and measures to prevent bullying and to early detect and early deal with bullying have been
promoted based thereon.
Recent bullying among children is often committed via the social network service or is
otherwise becoming less and less visible, and it is often the case that a trivial incident triggers
escalation to serious bullying behavior.
Being bullied [65.2%]
Others noticing but ignoring bullying, corporal punishment or abuse [56.0%]
Being abused [53.9%]
Adults ignoring children's opinions concerning
the selection of schools and occupation, etc. [31.4%]
Being subject to child prostitution and child porn [23.7%]
Nothing particular [12.0%]
Being subject to corporal punishment [34.8%]
The Protection of Human Rights 252.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (corporal punishment by
school teachers) for which remedy procedures were commenced20212018 201951202275201 141202083
Corporal punishment
by school teachers
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (child abuse) for which
remedy procedures were commenced20212018 2019 202220202021
2018 2019
1,16920221,047
2,955 2,94420201,126
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (bullying) for which
remedy procedures were commenced
Bullying at school
Corporal punishment
Corporal punishment is clearly prohibited in the proviso to Article 11 of the School Education Act
and should never be permitted in any situation, because corporal punishment exerts serious
harmful effect on children's minds and bodies, and may foment the idea of seeking settlement by
force and create an environment for bullying and violenc.
Child abuse
In recent years, the number of consultations concerning child abuse received at child guidance
centers nationwide has increased constantly and reached 207,660 cases in FY2021. Serious child
abuse cases resulting in children's deaths occur frequently, and the prevention of child abuse is a
problem to be tackled by society as a whole.
In June 2022, the Act Partially Amending the Child Welfare Act, etc. was enacted and relevant
measures have been strengthened, such as the establishment of the Children and Families Centers,
which offer comprehensive counseling support, etc. to children and their families, and the creation
of businesses for supporting children and their families, such as housekeeping support services
conducted by visiting personnel. Additionally, in December 2022, the Act Partially Amending the
Civil Code, etc. was enacted and the provisions concerning the disciplinary right of persons with
parental authority were deleted and the provisions to prohibit corporal punishment or other behavior
that exerts harmful effects on children's healthy mental and physical development were introduced.
The causes and backgrounds of children who commit bullying or who turn a blind eye to
bullying are diversified, but it can be considered that the root of the problem is a lack of
consciousness of respect for human rights, or in other words, a lack of compassion and
kindness towards others. It is important to cultivate a sense of human rights such as accepting
differences in others and to respect them as individual character.
253 216
453 413 341
Violence and abuse
against children
26 The Protection of Human Rights
Child sexual exploitation
Commercialized sexual exploitation, such as child prostitution and child pornography flooding
the internet, and child sexual abuse have become a serious concern all around the world.
The Act on Regulation and Punishment of Acts Relating to Child Prostitution and Child
Pornography, and the Protection of Children, which was enacted in July 2014, newly provides
for punishment for acts of possessing or retaining child pornography for the purpose of satisfying
one's sexual curiosity and the act of producing child pornography by secretly depicting poses
of a child. In April 2022, the Act on Prevention of Sexual Violence against School Children
and Students by Education Personnel, which provides for measures for protecting children
from sexual violence by teachers, was enforced.
Various measures are being taken to prevent children's victimization by sexual crimes, including
those for preventing damage due to appearances in pornographic materials (refer to p.23).
Furthermore, in June 2023, the Act Partially Amending the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal
Procedure, etc. was enacted. The relevant Codes and Acts were amended in consideration of
the actual status of victimization by sex crimes and sexual violence and according changes in
social awareness, such as raising the age of consent from 13 to 16 and newly introducing
punishment for the act of meeting a child under the age of 16 with the intent of molestation and
the act of photographing children's sexual parts or underwear without justifiable grounds (for
the details of the amendments, see the website of the Ministry of Justice).
Website of the Ministry of Justice,
"Outline of the legal amendments"
Awareness-raising booklet
"All are Friends; Learn and
Consider Human Rights
through a Comic"
Awareness-raising booklet
"Bullying - Never Permit or
Overlook"
Efforts of the human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice have been carrying out various human rights
awareness-raising activities for developing children's awareness of human rights, such as holding
the National Essay Contest on Human Rights for Junior High School Students, Human Rights
Lectures, and Human Rights Flower Campaigns (refer to pp.15-17) in collaboration with schools,
etc., and distributing awareness-raising leaflets and videos.
The Protection of Human Rights 27
1,500
2,000
1,00050008411,488
1,385
1,130
1,010
476 463
361 282
1,274
Children’s Rights SOS Mini-Letter
First Second Third
(Elementary school) (Junior high school)
Fourth Fifth Sixth First Second Third Others
Bullying: 2,125 (24.4%)
Abuse: 311 (3.6%)
Corporal punishment: 35 (0.4%)
Others: 6,239 (71.6%)
●くろまるContents
[Breakdown]
Numberofcases
Collection period:April 1, 2020–March 31, 2021
Collected data:
Children's Rights SOS Mini-Letters from students
in elementary and junior high schools throughout
the country
●くろまるNumber of counseling cases via the Mini-Letter:
approximately 8,710
●くろまるNumber of counseling cases by students’ grade
Results of the Children's Rights SOS Mini-Letters Project2.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Poster
"Children's Rights Hotline"
Awareness-raising video "It's not someone else's problem."
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice have been distributing "Children's Rights SOS
Mini-Letters" (letter paper with a pre-stamped envelope for human rights counseling) to
elementary and junior high school students throughout the country since 2006. Through them, the
bodies aim to understand the concerns and problems of children who are not able or willing to
consult teachers or guardians, and to resolve various human rights problems concerning children
in cooperation with the schools and relevant organs.
Through counseling by the use of the "Children's Rights Hotline"
(0120-007-110 [from anywhere in Japan]), the "Human Rights Counseling
Service on the Internet(SOS-e mail)"(https://www.jinken.go.jp/kodomo),
and social network service, which is often used by young people, officials
of the Legal Affairs Bureaus and Human Rights Volunteers are endeavoring
to detect children's human rights violations at an early stage.
When any suspected case of human rights violation is found through
human rights counseling, etc., the human rights bodies of the Ministry of
Justice investigate the case as a human rights violation case and take
appropriate measures depending on the circumstances.
28 The Protection of Human Rights
: Basic Act on Children
Material
The number of cases of dealing with consultations on child abuse, non-attendance at school,
suicides of elementary, junior high school, and high school students, and the number of bullying
on the internet have reached the highest-ever level. Additionally, with the influence exerted by
the spread of COVID-19, the environment surrounding children and parents raising children is
thus becoming increasingly harsh.
Against a background of such harsh environment surrounding children, the Cabinet decided the
Basic Principles on New Promotion System for Policies on Children in December 2021. In the
Principles, it is clearly stated that the Children and Families Agency will be newly established as
the control tower for achieving a society centered on children, wherein initiatives and polices
concerning children are given the highest priority in consideration of the best interest of children
always undertaken from the viewpoint of children. In response, the Act for Establishment of the
Children and Families Agency was enacted in June 2022, and the Agency was established in
April 2023. The Agency's mission is to protect children's rights and interests.
Together with the Act for Establishment of the Children and Families Agency, the Basic Act on
Children was enacted as a comprehensive basic Act for carrying out measures for children
comprehensively and aggressively as a society-wide initiative. The Basic Act on Children, which
was enforced in April 2023, aims to promote policies for children in a comprehensive manner for
achieving a society in which all children, who will play the central role in the next generation,
can build the foundation of their lifetime personality formation, grow in a healthy manner as
independent individuals, and live a happy life toward the future, with their rights being surely
protected, irrespective of their mental and physical status and their environment. Based on the
purport of the Constitution and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the following six basic
ideas common to all measures for children are specified.
(i) It should be ensured that all children are respected as individuals, that their fundamental
human rights are guaranteed, and that all children are free from any discriminatory treatment.
(ii) Children's rights pertaining to welfare, such as being raised appropriately, being guaranteed
the necessities of daily living, and being loved and protected, should be equally guaranteed,
and all children should be given equal opportunities to receive education based on the spirit
of the Basic Act on Education.
(iii) All children should be given opportunities to present their opinions on all matters directly
relating to themselves and opportunities to participate in various social activities, in
accordance with their age and development level.
(iv) For all children, their opinions should be respected and due consideration should be given
to their best interest above all, in accordance with their age and development level.
(v) With the awareness that children should basically be raised at home and that parents and
other guardians assume the primary responsibility for their children, a favorable
environment for growth should be secured for children for whom sufficient support and
rearing at home are difficult.
(vi) A social environment should be developed so that people can have dreams regarding their
family life and child rearing and can enjoy raising children.
With these basic ideas in mind, the Children and Families Agency, which serves as the control
tower for ensuring children's best interest while always taking the viewpoint of children, is
endeavoring to protect children's rights and interests, while further aggressively promoting measures
for children being taken by the government as a whole, based on the Basic Act on Children.
The Protection of Human Rights 292.Activitiesofthe
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Rights
Bodiesofthe
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Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
: Efforts for Solving Children's Troubles Caused
by Their Guardians' Religious Faith
Material
Triggered by the revelation of problems of the former Unification Church,
children and young people called the second or third generation of religious
groups have come to be recognized as a social issue. Their damage is apt to
be latent and their troubles are often composite, involving legal issues,
psychological difficulties, poverty, etc. Accordingly, in order to give relief
to damage suffered by these children and young people, relevant
organizations are taking measures appropriately in close mutual
collaboration. Q&As that will give hints for problem solution are available
on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
It is generally difficult for children to ask for help by themselves. Therefore, it is important to
detect abuse, bulling or other concrete incidents at an early stage and give relief. In order to find
out latent troubles for early relief, the role of education is also important.
When the human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice receive consultations regarding cases
where children's rights and interests are threatened due to their guardians' religious faith via the
Children's Rights Hotline, Children's Rights SOS Mini-Letters, or human rights counseling using
SNS, they accurately grasp each case, and make effective responses positively, while collaborating
with relevant organizations in some cases. From an educational perspective, they promote
awareness-raising activities targeting children, such as Human Rights Lectures. In Human Rights
Lectures, in particular, the information concerning the rights to life, survival and development,
required consideration of the best interest of children, respect for children's opinions, and
prohibition of discrimination, which are prescribed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child
is explained and disseminated so that children can be aware that they are entitled with various
rights. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science
and Technology, the bodies introduce various counseling services that respond to children's
consultations on latent troubles due to their guardians' religious faith.
The Houterasu, Japan Legal Support Center, has set up the Hotline for Channeling Business
(0120-005931 (toll-free)) for responding to consultations regarding cases concerning the former
Unification Church and other similar cases, and introduces appropriate counseling services
depending on the details of the troubles of individuals requesting consultation, including
children. For this Hotline, certified psychologists with experience as school counselors, etc. are
stationed to respond to consultations as necessary in order to carefully listen to children's
troubles, while providing them with psychological care.
At the Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Issues of the Former Unification Church as well, as measures
for providing relief to relevant children and young people, it was decided to offer multi-layered
support for each case by utilizing the Regional Council for Children in Need of Protection, which
serves as regional networks for protecting children.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice will continuously endeavor to enhance
education and awareness-raising activities and the counseling systems in order to detect
children's unheard voices without fail to provide relief to them.
Website of the
Ministry of Justice,
"Q&As giving hints
for problem solution"
30 The Protection of Human Rights
0 10 20 30 40 50
Treated like a nuisance [31.7%]
Due to the increased extension of the average life expectancy and the declining birth rate,
one-quarter of the population in Japan is composed of elderly people aged 65 or over. In such a
situation, the human rights problems of elderly people, such as physical or psychological abuse
by caretakers, etc., are now becoming social problems.
In December 1995, the Basic Act on Measures for the Aging Society entered into force, aiming
to achieve a society in which each citizen can live worthwhile lives with a sense of security
throughout their lives. In July 1996, the General Principles Concerning Measures for the Aging
Society were compiled based on this Basic Act (the current General Principles were decided at
a Cabinet meeting in February 2018).
Furthermore, based on the Act on the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Support for Caregivers of
Elderly Persons and Other Related Matters, which was enforced in April 2006, measures are
being implemented for prevention and early detection and dealing with abuse of elderly people
in order to protect their dignity.
In December 2018, the Act on Comprehensive and Integrated Promotion of Measures for
Achieving a Universal Society was enforced with the aim of realizing a society in which each
citizen is recognized as a member of society standing on an equal footing, irrespective of having
disabilities or not or being young or old, with their dignity being fully respected, and can freely
exercise their abilities with a guaranteed opportunity to participate in activities in any field of
society, and all citizens thereby coexist while mutually respecting others' personality and
characteristics and offering support. Based on this Act, efforts for achieving a universal society
are being promoted cooperatively by relevant administrative organs.
Elderly People3-●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey), Cabinet Office
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding elderly
people, what did you recognize as a human rights issue? Multiple answers (%)
Often victimized by fraudulent businesses and special fraud [44.7%]
Badly treated or abused at hospitals and nursing care facilities [33.6%]
Having little opportunity to show their vocational abilities [28.4%]
Difficulty of being financially independent [27.9%]
Having applications for renting apartment rooms, etc.
be rejected. [22.2%]
Receiving harassment or abuse while being cared for at home [22.0%]
Being subject to discrimination through words and deeds [17.8%]
Having their opinions and actions of elderly people
be disrespected. [14.9%]
Nothing particular [13.5%]
The Protection of Human Rights 312.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Awareness raising booklet
"Toward the Age of Coexistence;
Aged Society and Human Rights"
Awareness-raising video "It's
not someone else's problem.
– For achieving an inclusive
society where people
mutually support with each
other"
Additionally, based on the General Principles Concerning Measures for Dementia Patients,
which were compiled in June 2019, measures focused both on coexistence and disease prevention
are being taken while prioritizing viewpoints of dementia patients and their families, aiming to
achieve a society where people can enjoy daily lives with hope even after developing dementia.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice distribute booklets, deliver videos or are
otherwise carrying out human rights awareness-raising activities with the aim of achieving a
society where the human rights of all people, including the elderly, are respected.
The bodies set up ad-hoc human rights counseling centers at social welfare facilities such as
welfare facilities for the elderly so that facility users and their family members, who usually
have difficulty in visiting a Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau, can receive
counseling services easily in these facilities.
The bodies also strive to make human rights counseling activities widely known to social
welfare workers, who work closely with elderly people, and call on them to help with strengthening
cooperation in such forms as providing information when they recognize a human rights
violation case.20212018 2019131319 2512020185
Violence and abuse
against elderly people1620228123
42 31 23
Human rights violations
at welfare facilities
for the elderly
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases against elderly people for
which remedy procedures were commenced
32 The Protection of Human Rights
0 10 20 30 40 50
Persons with Disabilities4-In order to create a comfortable society equal for everyone, including persons with disabilities,
it is necessary for all people in society to strive to fully understand and give due consideration
to persons with disabilities, while various measures are being taken by the national government
and local governments.
The Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities designates the week from December 3 to December
9 every year as the Week of Persons with Disabilities. During this week, various events are held
intensively in collaboration among the national government, local governments and private
entities, etc. in order to disseminate the principle of an "inclusive society."
Additionally, based on the Act on Prevention of Abuse of Persons with Disabilities and Support
for Caregivers, which was enforced in October 2012, measures are being implemented for
prevention and early detection and resolution of abuse cases of persons with disabilities in order
to protect their dignity.
Furthermore, under the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities,
which was enforced in April 2016, administrative organs and private companies had made
efforts to prohibit unfair discriminatory treatment and give due consideration to persons with
disabilities for eliminating discrimination on the basis of disability. In May 2021, an amendment
of the Act was enacted to make the giving of due consideration to persons with disabilities
mandatory, regarding which there was merely a duty to make an effort to do so before the
amendment (the amended Act will be put into effect on April 1, 2024).
In February 2017, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games, the Universal Design
Meeting with opposition on socializing or marriage [19.0%]
Receiving harassment or abuse at schools or workplaces [43.3%]
Being subject to discrimination through words and deeds [38.9%]
Being stared at or avoided [40.7%]
Receiving disadvantageous treatment upon being hired or at workplaces [38.2%]
Having barriers for participating in sports
and cultural activities and local activities [14.9%]
Having use of accommodation facilities and public transportation or entry to shops be rejected [13.2%]
Having applications for renting apartment rooms, etc. be rejected. [12.5%]
Being often victimized by fraudulent businesses [8.8%]
Nothing particular [18.4%]
●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey),
Cabinet Office
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding persons with
disabilities, what did you recognize as a human rights issue? Multiple answers (%)
The Protection of Human Rights 332.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Awareness-
raising booklet
"Persons with
Disabilities and
Human Rights"
Awareness-raising video
"It's not someone else's problem."
Discriminatory
treatment against
persons with disabilities
Human rights violations
at welfare facilities for
persons with disabilities
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases against persons
with disabilities for which remedy procedures were commenced
2020 Action Plan, which provides for the promotion of "barrier-free mind" and creation of
communities with universal design, was determined. Based on this plan, efforts have been made
to implement and improve measures based on evaluations by the persons with disabilities and
support organizations. Additionally, under the Act on Comprehensive and Integrated Promotion
of Measures for Achieving a Universal Society, which was enforced in December 2018,
initiatives for achieving a universal society have been promoted.
In May 2022, the Act on Promotion of Measures Relating to Information Acquisition and Use
and Communication of Persons with Disabilities was enforced to enable all persons with
disabilities to participate in activities in all fields.
The government of Japan is promoting measures to assist persons with disabilities to support
theirindependence and socialparticipation in linewith theBasicPlanforPersonswithDisabilities
(the fifth plan), which was established under the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities,
with the aim of achieving an "inclusive society" where persons with and without disabilities
are able to respect each other's personality and individuality without distinction.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice conduct various human rights awareness-raising
activities, such as providing opportunities to experience wheelchairs or sports for persons with
disabilities and holding Human Rights Lectures combining talks and lectures by Paralympians.
The bodies have set up ad-hoc human rights counseling centers at support facilities for persons
with disabilities so that facility users and their family members, who usually have difficulty in
visiting a Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau, can receive counseling services
easily in these facilities. The bodies also commit to having human rights counseling activities
widely known to social welfare workers, who work closely with persons with disabilities, and
request them to cooperate in such forms as providing information when they recognize a human
rights violation case.20212018 2019112235 163202012522202210727
40 38 28
34 The Protection of Human Rights
0 10 20 30 40 50
●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey), Cabinet Office
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding the Buraku discrimination
or Dowa issue, what did you recognize as a human rights issue?) Multiple answers (%)
Buraku Discrimination (Dowa Issue)5-Buraku discrimination (Dowa issue)
Due to discrimination based on the structure of social statuses which was formed in the course
of the historical development of Japanese society, some Japanese people had been forced to
endure a deprived status economically, socially and culturally over years, and they are still
subject to various kinds of discrimination in their daily lives even today, such as meeting
opposition to marriage or being subject to disadvantageous treatment upon employment on the
grounds of being from a district called a Dowa district. This is the Dowa issue, which is a human
rights issue unique to Japan.
In order to solve this issue, the national government, together with local governments, had
worked for 33 years since 1969 on measures for regional improvements based on Acts on
Special Measures. As a result, developments in infrastructure in order to improve the
impoverished environment of the Dowa districts have achieved steady results, and the regional
disparity with other districts has become considerably smaller.
However, there still remain cases of posting where discriminatory comments on the internet. The
survey on the status of Buraku discrimination was conducted based on the Act on the Promotion
of Elimination of Buraku Discrimination enforced in December 2016, (https://www.moj.go.jp/
JINKEN/jinken04_00127.html) and the results, which were published in June 2020, revealed that
although a correct understanding on the Buraku discrimination (Dowa issue) has been increasing:
discriminatory false accusations targeting specific individuals or unspecified people are posted
on the internet; cases of discriminatory treatment occur upon individuals' marriage or socializing;
some people still have prejudice and discriminatory points of view; some of the viewers of
Having discriminatory information be posted on the internet. [14.9%]
Meeting with opposition on socializing or marriage [40.4%]
Receiving disadvantageous treatment upon being hired or at workplaces [27.5%]
Being subject to discrimination through words and deeds [32.3%]
Receiving a background check [24.3%]
Facing discriminatory graffiti or bills [12.5%]
Fake Dowa acts (acts of demanding unjust claims against companies and administrative organs
by applying undue pressures using Dowa issue as an excuse) being committed [12.0%]
Nothing particular [24.3%]
The Protection of Human Rights 352.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection20212018 2019308202243392 2212020244
Human rights
violations regarding
the Buraku
discrimination
(Dowa issue)
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases regarding the Buraku discrimination
(Dowa issue) for which remedy procedures were commenced
Awareness-raising video
"It's not someone else's problem."
information related to the Buraku discrimination on the internet have a certain discriminatory
motivation. It is necessary to properly deal with the Buraku discrimination (Dowa issue) based
on the purport of the same Act, the incidental resolutions, and the results of the aforementioned
survey.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice carry out various human rights awareness-raising
activities, such as distribution of awareness-raising videos, and endeavor to disseminate
knowledge of the enforcement of the Act on the Promotion of Elimination of Buraku
Discrimination in order to eliminate the public prejudice relating to the Buraku discrimination
(Dowa issue). Additionally, the bodies endeavor to provide a remedy for damage and prevent
occurrence of human rights violations concerning the Buraku discrimination (Dowa issue)
through human rights counseling and investigation and resolution of human rights violation
cases. When the bodies find: through reports by relevant administrative organs, etc., any
information on the internet citing a certain area as a Dowa district or the like, they make
judgements on the illegality thereof and demand the relevant provider, etc. to delete the information
or otherwise take appropriate measures.
36 The Protection of Human Rights
Elimination of pseudo-actions purportedly on behalf of Dowa problems
One of the major factors hampering the resolution of Buraku discrimination (Dowa issue) is the
widespread occurrence of pseudo-actions purportedly on behalf of Dowa problems. These
pseudo-actions refer to acts of demanding unjust profits or claims against companies and
administrative organs (such as forcing them to purchase expensive books) by applying undue
pressures using Dowa issue as an excuse.
In order to tackle pseudo-actions, it is necessary for administrative organs and companies to take
a firm attitude towards unfair claims in close cooperation.
In 1987, the national government established the Central Liaison Conference for Measures
against Pseudo-Actions with the participation of all of the ministries and agencies. Efforts to
eliminate pseudo-actions have also been made at the regional level through the establishment of
the Liaison Conference among Relevant Organizations for Measures against Pseudo-Actions,
with Legal Affairs Bureaus and District Legal Affairs Bureaus across the country acting as
secretariats.
The Ministry of Justice prepared a guide compiling concrete responses to be made against
pseudo-actions and has made it available on its website (https://www.moj.go.jp/content/
001361670.pdf). The Ministry has conducted questionnaire surveys eleven times since 1987
with the aim of ascertaining the actual status of pseudo-actions (the results of the latest survey
conducted for FY2018 are available at: https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001290375.pdf).
The Protection of Human Rights 372.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
The Ainu People6-The Ainu people have an original and rich culture such as a unique language, traditional
ceremonies and rituals, Yukar and other oral literature, but due to integration policies which
were implemented in modern times, efforts for the preservation and the handing down of
traditions have not been sufficiently made in the present day. In particular, people who
understand the Ainu language and can uphold the traditions are aging and important foundations
needed to pass on the culture show signs of diminishing. On the basis of the Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in
September 2007, and the report by the Advisory Council for Future Ainu Policy published in
July 2009, the national government has been promoting comprehensive and effective Ainu
policies.
The Act on Promotion of Measures for the Achievement of Society with Respect for the Ethnic
Pride of the Ainu People, which was enforced in May 2019, provides for the basic idea concerning
the prohibition of discrimination, etc. on the grounds of being an Ainu person and for support
measures to carry out Ainu policies comprehensively on an ongoing basis, with the aim of
achieving a society in which the Ainu people can live with their ethnic pride and in which their
pride is sufficiently respected. Under this Act, measures including promotion of regional
developments, industry and tourism, in addition to conventional measures for promoting culture
and welfare, are being implemented comprehensively and effectively.
In July 2020, Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park) was opened in Shiraoi Town in
Hokkaido as a base for reconstruction and creation of Ainu culture. Upopoy offers visitors
opportunities to experience the lives and traditional performing arts of the Ainu people from
diverse perspectives.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice carry out various human rights
awareness-raising activities, such as distribution of awareness-raising videos, in order to
improve understanding and recognition about the Ainu people and eliminate prejudice and
discrimination against them. Furthermore, the bodies commenced collaboration with the
Counseling Services for Ainu People in May 2022, thereby positively carrying out human rights
counseling, investigation and resolution of human rights violation cases.
38 The Protection of Human Rights
Awareness-raising video,
"A=kor Youth"
(a=kor is an Ainu word meaning "our.")20212018 20190202210 020200
Discriminatory
treatment against
the Ainu people
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (discriminatory treatment
against theAinu people) for which remedy procedures were commenced
■しかく Act Promoting Measures toAchieve a Society in which the Pride ofAinu People is Respected
(Act No. 16 of 2019)
Article 4 It is prohibited for any person to discriminate against Ainu people or commit, on
the grounds that a person is Ainu, any other act that infringes upon the rights or interests
of that person
0 20 40 60
0 20 40 60 80
●くろまるSurvey on the public understanding about the Ainu people (2022 November survey),
Cabinet Secretariat and Cabinet Office
Discrimination and prejudice against the Ainu people
Reasons for discrimination and prejudice against the Ainu people
(Question for respondents who consider that discrimination and prejudice exist; Multiple answers (%))
Exists [21.3%]
Have heard a media report that the Ainu people are being discriminated against [62.8%]
Have a vague impression that discrimination and prejudice exist [39.9%]
Have an impression that economic disparity and educational disparity exist [27.9%]
Have learned that the Ainu people are being discriminated against at school in the past
and still have such impression [27.6%]
Familiar people, such as friends or acquaintances, are discriminated against. [2.3%]
Have heard from my child that he/she learned that the Ainu people are being discriminated against at school [1.5%]
Does not exist [28.7%]
Don't know [49.7%]
The Protection of Human Rights 39
Multiple answers (%)504030201002.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Foreigners7-The number of foreigners residing in Japan was approx. 3.08 million people as of the end of
2022, hitting a record high. Under such circumstances, various human rights problems regarding
foreigners have taken place due to differences in language, religion, customs and other factors.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice established the "Foreign-language Human
Rights Hotline" and the "Foreign-Language Human Rights Counseling Service on the Internet," as
well as "Human Rights Counseling Centers for Foreigners" to provide human rights counseling
services in multiple languages to foreign nationals who cannot speak Japanese fluently.
Furthermore, the bodies carry out human rights awareness-raising activities, and conduct
remedy activities in order to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against foreign nationals.
Recently, discriminatory speech and behavior intended to exclude people of certain ethnic
groups or nationalities has become a public concern as so-called "hate speech." In June 2016,
the Act on the Promotion of Efforts to Eliminate Unfair Discriminatory Speech and Behavior
against Persons with Countries of Origin Other than Japan was enforced. However, hate speech
has yet to be eliminated. Such discriminatory speech and behavior not only cause a feeling of
anxiety or repugnance but could also violate human dignity or generate a discriminatory
environment and cannot be tolerated. As indicated in the incidental resolutions of the Diet in
the process of deliberating the relevant Act, hostile speech and behavior on the ground of
nationality, race or ethnic group, etc. with the intention to encourage or induce discrimination
are not forgivable, irrespective of whether they target people from overseas or not.
Differences in culture and habits, etc. are not accepted. [27.8%]
Receiving disadvantageous treatment upon being hired or at workplaces [22.1%]
Being subject to discrimination through words and deeds [19.5%]
Receiving harassment or abuse at schools or workplaces [19.1%]
Being stared at or avoided [18.8%]
Having applications for renting apartment rooms, etc. be rejected [12.5%]
Meeting with opposition on socializing or marriage [12.3%]
Having use of accommodation facilities or entry to shops be rejected [5.1%]
Nothing particular [38.3%]
●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey),
Cabinet Office
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding foreigners
residing in Japan, what did you recognize as a human rights issue?
40 The Protection of Human Rights20212018 20195920224762 72202060
Discriminatory
treatment against
foreigners
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (discriminatory treatment
against foreigners) for which remedy procedures were commenced
Awareness-raising video
"It's not someone else's problem."
Awareness-raising video
"Stop Hate Speech (Hate Speech on the Internet)"
Awareness-raising
booklet (comic)
"Hate Speech around Us"
You can get the Human Rights Counseling Leaflet for Foreigners from the Ministry of Justice
website at: https://www.moj.go.jp/JINKEN/jinken21.html
While sharing information with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as with local
governments, the human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice are carrying out various human
rights awareness-raising activities under the catch phrase "STOP! HATE SPEECH," and are
conducting human rights counseling investigation and resolution of human rights violation
cases for human rights violations, including damage due to hate speech.
The Protection of Human Rights 412.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
https://www.jinken.go.jp/soudan/PC̲AD/0101̲en.html
Human Rights Counseling in Foreign Languages
Material
Legal Affairs Bureaus and District Legal Affairs Bureaus nationwide provide human rights counseling services to
foreign nationals who cannot speak Japanese fluently with an interview through a translator.
Service hours: 9:00 - 17:00 on weekdays (excluding the year-end and New Year holidays)
Human rights counseling offices are periodically opened at the following locations other than Legal Affairs
Bureaus and District Legal Affairs Bureaus.
Service hours: 9:00 - 17:00 on weekdays (excluding the year-end and New Year holidays)
*A call to this number is connected to the competent Legal Affairs Bureau or District Legal Affairs Bureau via a
private multilingual call center.
KOKUSAI HIROBA ACROS
Fukuoka 3rd Floor
1-1-1, Tenjin, Chuo-ku,
Fukuoka-shi
* Scheduled to be closed as of the
end of FY2023
Kagawa International Exchange
Center (I-pal Kagawa)
1-11-63, Ban-cho,
Takamatsu-shi
Ehime Prefecural International
Center (EPIC)
1-1, Dougoichiman,
Matsuyama-shi
13:00 - 16:00
on 2nd
Saturday every
month
13:00 - 15:00
on 3rd Friday every
month
(Reservation required)
13:30 - 15:30
on 4th
Thursday every
month
Human Rights
Department,
Fukuoka Legal
Affairs Bureau
092 (739) 4151
Human Rights
Department,
Takamatsu Legal
Affairs Bureau
087 (821) 7850
Human Rights
Division,
Matsuyama District
Legal Affairs Bureau
089 (932) 0888
English
English
English, Chinese,
Vietnamese, and
PortugueseCityFukuoka
Takamatsu
Matsuyama
Location Service hours Language Contact information
Foreign-language Human Rights Hotline (from anywhere in Japan)
Foreign-language Human Rights Counseling Service on the Internet
Human Rights Counseling Centers for Foreigners
English, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Spanish, Indonesian, and Thai
0570‐090911
42 The Protection of Human Rights
Patients of Infections8-With regard to HIV, outside of sexual contact, there is almost no possibility of being infected in
daily life. Additionally, thanks to the progress made in treatment, even if a person is infected
with HIV, early detection and treatment can prevent the onset of AIDS and can significantly
reduce the risk of infecting others.
Hepatitis is mostly caused by the hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus, and these viruses are
transmitted mainly via blood and body fluids. Therefore, in order to prevent transmission of the
hepatitis virus, it is important not to share tools with blood or body fluids with others and to
avoid a wound or mucous membrane from directly touching any blood or body fluid. If such
precautions are taken, there is no possibility to be infected with the hepatitis B virus or hepatitis
C virus in ordinary everyday life.
However, such accurate information is not broadly understood, and not a few patients and their
families suffer from prejudice and discrimination.
With regard to vaccination against COVID-19, there are some who cannot receive vaccination
due to various reasons or who require special attention when receiving vaccination, and
therefore, infection control measures with due consideration to individuals' circumstances are
required. It is necessary to prevent discriminatory treatment for people who have not received
vaccination (such as giving an instruction that reveals the fact that the relevant person has not
received vaccination, terminating a contract with a person who refused to receive vaccination,
or refusing the relevant person's participation in training, etc.). Whether or not to wear a mask is
to be basically left to individuals' autonomous
decisions, and it is necessary to respect their
decisions and pay attention not to force any person
to wear or take off a mask against his/her will.
The national government is endeavoring to
disseminate accurate knowledge on these infectious
diseases and raise awareness of the general public
in order to eliminate prejudice and discrimination
against infectious diseases.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice have also been conducting various human
rights awareness-raising activities, investigation and resolution of human rights violation cases.
Awareness-raising video
"It's not someone else's problem."
The Protection of Human Rights 43
●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey),Cabinet Office
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding present
and former Hansen's disease patients and their families, what did you
recognize as a human rights issue? Multiple answers (%)2.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
2020 2021201844 6820224926201915Discriminatory treatment against
infectious disease patients
(excl. patients of Hansen's Disease)
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (discriminatory treatment against
infectious disease patients) for which remedy procedures were commenced
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Present and Former Hansen's Disease (also known
internationally as leprosy) Patients and Their Families9-Although the bacteria, Mycobacterium leper, found in Hansen's disease is contagious, it is
extremely rare to contract the disease even if the bacteria have been acquired due to low
infectivity. In the rare event of coming down with the disease, as effective treatment has been
established and there are no aftereffects as long as the disease is detected early and treatment is
administered appropriately. However, the policy adopted in the past to isolate Hansen's disease
patients at care facilities created awareness that Hansen's disease is a dreadful disease, and this
has caused unreasonable discrimination and prejudice against present and former Hansen's
disease patients and their families.
In the lawsuit to seek compensation for the violation of the Leprosy Prevention Act, questioning
the national government's responsibility for the delay in a shift of its policies on Hansen's
disease, the Kumamoto District Court rendered a judgment to hold the national government
liable in May 2001. Thereafter, the national government has endeavored to disseminate correct
knowledge on Hansen's disease, also in light of the purport of the Act on Promotion of Resolution
of Issues Related to Hansen's Disease, which was enacted in June 2008.
Being subject to discrimination through words and deeds [16.7%]
Difficulty in living an independent life outside a sanatorium for Hansen's disease patients [22.2%]
Receiving harassment or abuse at schools or workplaces [17.4%]
Meeting with opposition on socializing or marriage [19.3%]
Being stared at or avoided [17.2%]
Receiving disadvantageous treatment upon being hired or at workplaces [16.3%]
Having treatment or hospitalization be rejected [10.3%]
Having use of accommodation facilities or entry to shops be rejected [7.6%]
Having applications for renting apartment rooms, etc. be rejected [7.5%]
Nothing particular [55.5%]
44 The Protection of Human Rights
However, prejudice and discrimination were not eradicated. In June 2019, in the lawsuit filed
against the national government by the families of Hansen's disease patients to seek compensation
for damage due to prejudice and discrimination, the Kumamoto District Court rendered a
judgment to hold the national government liable. In response, the then Prime Minister issued a
statement to accept the judgment in July 2019 and expressed deep remorse and an apology as the
national government for the suffering and difficulties faced by present and former patients and
their families over the years due to extreme prejudice and discrimination in society originated
from the national government's wrong policies to isolate patients at care facilities. The statement
also contains the national government's commitment to taking new compensatory measures for
patients' families and strengthening human rights education and awareness-raising activities in
consideration of their hardships, in close collaboration and cooperation among relevant ministries
and agencies.
The Committee Discussing Measures for Eliminating Discrimination
and Prejudice against Hansen's Disease consisting of experts and
related parties, which was established under the Ministry of Health,
Labour and Welfare, compiled a report in March 2023. In this
report as well, relevant ministries and agencies are required to
collaborate with each other and take measures for raising awareness
and providing counseling services.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice are carrying out human rights awareness-raising
activities in light of harsh experiences faced by present and former Hansen's disease patients and
their families.
For example, the bodies have held symposiums on Hansen's disease issues, wherein lectures
by patients or their families, etc., were provided and panel discussions were held with the
participation of students, and have posted the content of those symposiums in national newspapers
for elementary school students and junior high school students, thereby disseminating feelings
of former patients and their families. Additionally, the bodies have held panel exhibitions on
Hansen's disease, placed internet banner advertisements, and prepared and delivered
awareness-raising videos. In this manner, the bodies have been carrying out various human
rights awareness-raising activities in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies for the
purpose of disseminating an accurate understanding of Hansen's disease and eliminating
prejudice and discrimination against Hansen's disease patients. The bodies also conduct human
rights counseling, investigation and resolution of human rights violation regarding cases of
discrimination against Hansen's disease patients, etc.
Internet banner advertisement
The Protection of Human Rights 452.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
Article on the symposium (Yomiuri Shimbun
for junior and senior high school students)
Awareness-raising video
"Learn about Hansen's
Disease – Feelings
of Former Patients
and Their Families"
Awareness-raising video
"Hansen's Disease
Issues –Testimony
from the Past,
Advice for the Future"20212018 20191202200 120200
Discriminatory
treatment against
Hansen's disease
patients
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (discriminatory treatment
against Hansen's disease patients) for which remedy procedures were
commenced
People Released from Prison after Serving Their
Sentence and Their Families10-Prejudice and discrimination against people released from prison after serving their sentence
and against their family members are deeply rooted and released persons frequently receive
undue discriminatory treatment in finding jobs or housing, and therefore the conditions are very
severe for those people who are trying to reintegrate into society. In order to ensure their stable
social life as a member of local communities, understanding and cooperation not only from their
family members but also from their workplaces and local communities are indispensable, in
addition to a strong desire for rehabilitation on the part of people released from prison after
serving their sentence.
46 The Protection of Human Rights20212018 201942022410 1120205
Discriminatory
treatment against
people released from
prison after serving
their sentencee
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases (discriminatory treatment
against people released from prison after serving their sentence) for
which remedy procedures were commenced
In March 2023, the secondary Plan on Promotion of Prevention of Repeat Offenses was decided
based on the Act on Promotion of Prevention of Repeat Offenses, and various measures to
prevent repeat offenses are being promoted, while positioning "securing employment and
housing," "promoting activities of cooperators in the private sector," "promoting inclusion in
local communities," etc. as priority issues.
In order to promote understanding and cooperation of citizens with regard to improvement and
rehabilitation of persons who committed crimes and delinquent juveniles and to create local
communities free from crimes and delinquency, the Ministry of Justice has been carrying out the
"Brighter Society Campaign" with the understanding and participation of local residents, while
adopting "Yellow Feather of Happiness" as a symbol mark of the activities.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice carry out various human rights awareness-raising
activities, and conduct human rights counseling and human rights remedy activities in order to
eliminate prejudice and discrimination against people released from prison after serving their
sentence and their families, and contribute to their rehabilitation into society.
Crime Victims and Their Families11-It has been pointed out that the crime victims and their family members have not only been
damaged psychologically and economically by the crime itself and its aftereffects, but they may
also suffer other injuries such as defamation through rumors and mindless slander or disturbance
of peace in their private lives.
In order to achieve a society where the rights and benefits of crime victims, etc. are protected,
the Basic Act on Crime Victims was enacted in December 2004. Based on this Act, the Basic
Plan for Crime Victims was formulated in December 2005 (the Fourth Basic Plan was
established in March 2021), and measures set up in this Basic Plan are being taken.
Furthermore, the week from November 25 to December 1 is designated as Crime Victims'
Week, during which activities are carried out every year to improve people's understanding of
the situation of crime victims and the importance of giving consideration to the honor and peaceful
lives of crime victims.
The Protection of Human Rights 472.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
2018 20198 6202042021020222Human rights
violations against
crime victims, etc.
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases against crime victims, etc.
for which remedy procedures were commenced
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice carry out human rights awareness-raising
activities, and conduct human rights counseling, investigation and resolution of human rights
violation cases in order to ensure consideration for the human rights of crime victims and their
families and protection of their rights.
Human Rights Violations on the Internet 12-Following increased use of the internet and owing to its anonymity and capacity to send out
information with ease, various human rights problems have arisen, such as violation of individual
reputations and privacy and publication of expressions that promote discrimination. These acts
hurt the targets and those who have made such posting may be accused of a crime. As defamation
on the internet has become a social problem, in particular, defamation as a whole has come to be
strictly criticized and public awareness of the need to deter defamatory postings is increasing.
Accordingly, as measures against recent cases of defamation, the statutory penalty for insult was
raised in July 2022. It is necessary to continuously carry out human rights awareness-raising
activities for general internet users in order to promote their correct understanding concerning
human rights.
The number of young internet users such as elementary and junior high school students has been
increasing every year and, there are cases such as slandering through social network service,
Multiple answers (%)
50 60 70 80403020100Information defaming others is posted [67.7%]
Information triggering or facilitating discrimination is posted [42.8%]
Information concerning privacy is posted [42.5%]
Communications using SNS, etc. provoke crimes [37.0%]
There are so-called revenge porn cases (acts of disclosing sexual images
of ex-partners or others on online bulletin boards without their consent) [31.5%]
Names and photos of minors under investigation, which should be kept
undisclosed under laws and regulations, are posted [17.9%]
Nothing particular [14.7%]
●くろまる Opinion poll on human rights protection (2022 August survey), Cabinet Office
Among your own experience and what you saw or heard regarding the internet,
what did you recognize as a human rights issue?
48 The Protection of Human Rights
illegal download, etc. in which both the assailants and the victims of the human rights violations
are children. In light of such circumstances, the Act on Establishment of Enhanced Environment
for Youth's Safe and Secure Internet Use, which was enforced in April 2009, was amended and
mobile phone companies have been obliged to take measures to activate filtering for harmful
information for young users under 18 years of age since February 2018.
From February to May every year, awareness-raising activities are carried out intensively as the
"Spring Unified Campaign for Safe Internet Use" to call on young people to use smartphones
and SNSs safely.
Furthermore, in order to prevent the occurrence and expansion of damage due to so-called
revenge porn, the national government enforced the Act on Prevention of Damage due to the
Provision of Personal Sexual Records in December 2014. Controls are being conducted under
the Act, which prescribes penal provisions concerning acts of disclosing sexual images shot
personally or providing such images for disclosure and also provides for the development of a
support system for victims of such acts.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice hold Human Rights Lectures nationwide, in
collaboration with Smartphone and Mobile Phone Safety Lectures that are held by mobile phone
companies mainly targeting junior high school students, as countermeasures against human
rights violations by abuse of the internet, which are becoming increasingly serious among young
people. The bodies are also distributing an awareness-raising booklet and video and have held a
symposium targeting junior high and senior high school students and their guardians in order to
raise their awareness of human rights. Additionally, jointly with an social network service
business association, the bodies launched a website for raising awareness concerning the use of
social network services, under the slogan "#No Heart No SNS," and published a flow chart
introducing online counseling services concerning human rights violations on the website of the
Ministry of Justice, thereby endeavoring to improve young people's information morals,
disseminate information on human rights counseling services, or otherwise strengthen
countermeasures.
When receiving a consultation, the bodies give advice on how to demand the disclosure of
identification information of the sender or deletion of the relevant information based on consulters'
intentions, and if that information is found to constitute defamation or privacy infringement as
a result of an investigation, the bodies undertake appropriate measures, such as requesting that
the relevant provider or other parties to delete that information.
The Protection of Human Rights 492.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection20212018 2019
1,73620221,721
1,910 1,98520201,693
Human rights
violations on the
internet
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases on the internet for which
remedy procedures were commenced
Human Rights
Awareness-raising
Website "#No Heart No SNS"
Awareness-
raising booklet
"Are you OK?
Let's consider
the internet and
human rights."
Awareness-raising video
"The internet is not a tool to hurt others."
13- Victims Abducted by North Korean Authorities
In June 2006, the Law to Address the Abduction Issue and Other North Korean Human Rights
Violations was enforced with the aim of improving public understanding of the issue of human
rights violations by North Korean authorities and disclosing and preventing human rights
violations by North Korean authorities in cooperation with the international community. The
Law provided for the responsibilities of the national government and local governments and
designated the week from December 10 to 16 every year as the North Korean Human Rights
Abuse Awareness Week.
During the Week, various activities are conducted, including an international symposium held
by the national government and PR activities using various media, such as advertisements in
train cars and in newspapers as well as internet advertisements.
50 The Protection of Human Rights
2018 20191 3202012021120220Human rights
violations against
homeless people
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases against homeless people
for which remedy procedures were commenced
Poster "North Korean Human Rights
Abuse Awareness Week"
International symposium held by the national government
The Act on Special Measures for Self-Sufficiency Support for the Homeless, which was enacted
in 2002, provides that due consideration should be given to human rights of homeless people
when offering self-sufficiency support to them.
Based on this Act and in light of the results of the nationwide survey on the status of homeless
people that was conducted in July 2018, the Basic Policy to Support Self-Sufficiency of the
Homeless was formulated. The Basic Policy states that it is necessary to promote protection of
the human rights of homeless people through carrying out awareness-raising and PR activities
and offering human rights counseling services, while giving due consideration to the human
rights of both homeless people and neighboring residents.
Given these circumstances, the human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice carry out human
rights awareness-raising activities, and conduct human rights counseling and human rights
remedy activities to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against homeless people.
Homeless People14-The Protection of Human Rights 512.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection20212018 201992022919 17202017
Human rights
violations against
sexual minorities
■しかく The number of human rights violation cases against sexual minorities for
which remedy procedures were commenced
Dedicated website "My Declaration of
Human Rights: Sexual Minorities Edition"
Sexual Minorities15-With the awareness that undue discrimination and prejudice against sexual minorities are
unacceptable, the government aims to achieve an inclusive society where the diversity is
respected and all people can live a vibrant life. Relevant ministries and agencies are cooperatively
making efforts for dealing with various problems relating to sexual minorities that have been
arising in various scenes, such as at public facilities and schools, etc., or upon employment, or
in receiving medical treatment or social welfare services.
Under such circumstances, the Act on the Promotion of People's Understanding on the Diversity
in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity was enacted and enforced in June 2023. In
compliance with the basic idea that "all people are to be respected as irreplaceable individuals
equally enjoying fundamental human rights, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity,"
as prescribed in this Act, relevant ministries and agencies will collaboratively promote various
measures.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice carry out various human rights aware-
ness-raising activities, such as holding lectures and distributing awareness-raising leaflets, and
conduct counseling and human rights remedy activities, while emphasizing the elimination of
prejudice and discrimination in relation to sexual minorities as priority issues. In March 2023,
the bodies launched a dedicated website "My Declaration of Human Rights:Sexual Minorities
Edition" which introduces related initiatives by companies and organizations, with the aim of
promoting efforts regarding sexual minorities by companies and organizations and increasing
understanding on sexual minorities broadly among society as a whole.
52 The Protection of Human Rights
Leaflet "Measures against Trafficking in Persons"
Poster "Measures against
Trafficking in Persons"
Trafficking in Persons (Coercive Sexual Services and Labor)16-Based on the 2022 Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which was formulated in
December 2022, the national government has been responding with appropriate measures to
the situation against trafficking in persons and carrying out integral and comprehensive
countermeasures as a government-wide initiative. Additionally, under this Action Plan, the
national government has held the Council for the Promotion of Measures to Combat Trafficking
in Persons as necessary to ascertain the current situation of trafficking in persons in Japan, and
to promote prevention and elimination of trafficking in persons and proper protection of
victims. At the same time, it has been carrying out PR activities concerning these efforts and
seeking cooperation of the general public to make a report when finding any suspected
victimized person. In this manner, measures have been taken cooperatively by relevant ministries
and agencies.
The human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice carry out various human rights awareness-raising
activities, and conduct human rights counseling, investigation and resolution of human rights
violation cases, thereby endeavoring to deepen people's interest and understanding regarding
the issue of trafficking in persons.
The Protection of Human Rights 532.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection12345678
Material : The Core Human Rights Conventions Japan Signed
Dec. 16, 1966
Convention
Adopted on
Enforced on
Signatory nations, regions
and organizations
International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights
International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights
International Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities
International Convention for the Protection
of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Convention against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
Jan. 3, 1976
Dec. 16, 1966
Mar. 23, 1976
Dec.21, 1965
Jan. 4, 1969
Dec. 18, 1979
Sep. 3, 1981
Dec. 10, 1984
Jun. 26, 1987
Nov. 20, 1989
Sep. 2, 1990
Dec. 20, 2006
Dec. 23, 2010
Dec. 13, 2006
May. 3, 2008
172 (as of August 2021)
(as of October 2020)
(as of October 2020)
(as of October 2020)
(as of October 2020)
(as of November 2021)
(as of June 2022)
(as of July 2023)17318218917119671188Human Rights Problems Arising after an
Earthquake or Other Disaster17-The Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, was an unprecedented
disaster, causing catastrophic damage across the entire East Japan. In addition, the accidents at
Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station caused by the
earthquake and tsunami made the situation even worse. In such a situation, prejudice and
discrimination based on rumors concerning the nuclear accident still remain as a matter of
concern.
In order to respond to various human rights issues arising from a disaster, such as discriminatory
treatment based on rumors, and to prevent occurrence of new human rights violations, the
human rights bodies of the Ministry of Justice respond to human rights counseling, including
provision of psychological care to disaster victims. The bodies carry out various human rights
awareness-raising activities, such as holding symposiums and distributing human rights
awareness-raising videos.
54 The Protection of Human Rights
4. Topic:Opinion Poll on Human Rights Protection
◉ Opinion Poll on Human Rights Protection
The Opinion Poll on Human Rights Protection has been conducted almost every five years since
1958 with the aim of grasping people's awareness regarding human rights protection and using
the results as a reference for making future policies. The latest 13th opinion poll was conducted
from August 4 to September 11, 2022, targeting 3,000 Japanese nationals nationwide aged 18 or
older (valid responses from 1,556 people; valid response rate: 51.9%).
Here, based on the results published by the Cabinet Office in November 2022, people's awareness
on human rights education and awareness-raising activities are outlined.
◉ Awareness concerning individual human rights issues
To a question asking about human rights issues in Japan that respondents are interested in, the
percentage was the highest for respondents who selected "Human rights violations on the
internet, such as defamation" at 53.0%, followed by percentages for those who selected "Persons
with disabilities" (50.8%) and those who selected "Children" (43.1%).
The Protection of Human Rights 55
At the time of the previous poll, the percentage of respondents who selected "Human rights
violations on the internet" was also high at 43.2%. As the problem of defamation has become
increasingly serious in recent years, various human rights issues on the internet are attracting
further more attention.
The results of responses to questions asking about what respondents recognized as human rights
issues based on their own experience are respectively shown on pages of individual categories
of issues.
Human rights violations on the internet, such as defamation
Persons with disabilities
Children
Women
Human rights violations due to disasters,
such as prejudice and discrimination based on rumors
Elderly people
Persons infected with HIV, hepatitis,
or COVID-19 and health workers, and their familie
Crime victims and their families
Sexual minorities, such as LGBTQ
Persons with gender identity disorder (*1)
Sexual orientation (*1)
Victims abducted by North Korean Authorities and their families
Buraku discrimination/Dowa issue
Foreigners
People released from prison after serving their sentence
and their families
Trafficking in persons, such as coercive sexual services and labor
Present and former Hansen's disease patients and their families
Homeless people
The Ainu people
Other
Nothing particular
No answer
*1 In the 2017 October poll, persons with gender identity disorder and sexual orientation were separate questionnaire items.
*2 This was not included in the 2017 October poll.
■しかく What are you interested in regarding human rights issues in Japan?2.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection(%)(Multiple answers)
30 40 50 60201002022 August poll
2017 October poll53.043.250.851.143.133.742.532.628.823.316.919.315.515.017.916.715.014.814.613.010.510.511.210.011.826.230.136.727.110.830.617.014.09.66.71.90.25.47.60.8
※(注記)2
56 The Protection of Human Rights
◉ Measures for solving human rights issues
To a question asking about what the government should prioritize in solving human rights
issues, the percentage was the highest for respondents who selected "Enhance human rights
education in and outside schools" at 57.6%, followed by percentages for those who selected
"Promote awareness-raising activities to raise people's awareness and deepen their understanding
on human rights" (46.9%) and those who selected "Enhance remedial measures and support for
victims of human rights violations" (44.2%).(%)50 60 70
20 30
0 10 40
Enhance human rights education in and outside schools
Promote awareness-raising activities to raise people's
awareness and deepen their understanding on human rights
Enhance remedial measures
and support for victims of human rights violations
Strengthen control over crimes
Enhance counseling organizations
and facilities specialized in human rights issues
Seek collaboration with relevant organizations,
such as local governments and private organizations
Enhance collection and provision of information on human rights
Other
Nothing particular
No answer
■しかく What should the government prioritize in solving human rights issues?
(Multiple answers)
2022 August poll
2017 October poll57.659.844.244.041.933.036.819.724.23.31.03.42.01.05.031.238.646.943.132.8
The Protection of Human Rights 572.Activitiesofthe
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice1.The
Human
Rights
Bodiesofthe
MinistryofJustice3.Major
Human
Rights
Issues4.Topic:OpinionPollon Human
Rights
Protection
To a question asking about the methods that government should employ for the purpose of
widely and deeply disseminating awareness to respect human rights among people, the percentage
was the highest for respondents who selected "TV and radio" at 67.5%, followed by percentages
for those who selected "Internet, including SNS" (49.5%) and those who selected "Newspapers
and magazines" (32.9%).(%)706050403020100 80TV and radio
Internet, including SNS
Newspapers and magazines
Advertisements in trains and busses,
on car bodies, and in stations, etc.
Exchange meetings in which diverse people can participate
Lectures, symposiums, training sessions, etc.
PR magazines, pamphlets, and posters
Meetings where participants can exchange views freely
Simulations enabling participants to experience
the situations of elderly people and persons with disabilities
Films and videos
Exhibition of materials and photos, etc.
Workshops, such as small-group discussion
and interactive training programs
Other
No answer
■しかく What methods should the government employ to effectively carry out awareness-raising activities
in order to widely and deeply disseminate awareness to respect human rights among people?
(Multiple answers)
2022 August poll
2017 October poll67.570.332.941.823.817.923.519.122.326.818.224.316.815.615.422.010.213.211.922.631.749.541.97.31.74.43.81.5
See page 41 for details
For those who are not comfortable speaking
Japanese, Legal Affairs Bureaus and District
Legal Affairs Bureaus throughout Japan provide
human rights counseling services.
We offer telephone counseling through
the Foreign-language
Human Rights Hotline (Navi Dial).
English, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Spanish, Indonesian, and Thai.
We accept human rights inquiries on the Internet
Human Rights Counseling Service.
We will demand the violator to improve
the situation.