Japan's human rights policies

Upholding the highest standards of human rights enshrined and guaranteed in its Constitution, Japan has consolidated its democratic political system and has developed policies for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as universal values. Japan firmly believes that the promotion and protection of human rights is a legitimate interest of the international community . Therefore, grave violations of human rights need to be addressed in cooperation with the international community. Japan also affirms that the human rights of all people should be respected, regardless of their country's culture, traditions, political and economic systems and level of socio-economic development, even if there are differences in their processes and speed of achievement with regard to human rights protection. Protecting human rights is the most fundamental responsibility of any nation. Based on its commitment to dialogue and cooperation, Japan will steer efforts to resolve human rights issues of concerns to the international community and to improve human rights situations through both multilateral fora, including the United Nations (UN), and bilateral dialogues. In addition, Japan is committed to extending necessary and feasible cooperation from the viewpoint of‘“human security’.Japan is also committed to contributing to realize world peace, stability and prosperity more actively than ever.

International commitments and pledges for the promotion and protection of human rights

(1) Conclusion of international human rights instruments and their continued sincere implementation

Japan has concluded the following international human rights instruments and has been committed to their sincere implementation, including the submission of government reports pertaining to these instruments:

• • The International Covenant on Economic. Social and Cultural Rights (1979)

• • The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1979)

• • The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1985)

• • The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1994)

• • The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1995)

• • The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1999)

• • The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (2009)

• • The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2014)