37/15 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Japan

GE.17-23487(E)



Human Rights Council Thirty-seventh session

26 February–23 March 2018

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Japan

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/37/15

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-eighth session from 6 to 17

November 2017. The review of Japan was held at the 13th meeting, on 14 November 2017.

The delegation of Japan was headed by Yoshifumi Okamura, Representative of the

Government of Japan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Human Rights.

At its 17th meeting, held on 16 November 2017, the Working Group adopted the report on

Japan.

2. On 13 February 2017, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Japan: Belgium, Qatar and Togo.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Japan:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance

with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/28/JPN/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/28/JPN/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/28/JPN/3 and Corr.1).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Norway,

Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland, the United States of America and Uruguay was transmitted to Japan through the

troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. Japan had placed importance on fundamental values such as democracy, freedom,

human rights and the rule of law for more than 70 years, since the end of the Second World

War.

6. Japan put emphasis on the universal periodic review and was honoured to report on

the progress in protecting and promoting human rights over the past five years.

7. Japan had concluded the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the

Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the United

Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Trafficking in Persons

Protocol.

8. As a member of the Human Rights Council from Asia, Japan had been encouraging

human rights protection through the submission of resolutions in the Council and through

bilateral dialogues. Japan also continued to actively promote development cooperation.

9. In order to realize “a society in which all women shine”, Japan had formulated the

fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the Intensive Policy to Accelerate the

Empowerment of Women, had enforced the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation

and Advancement in the Workplace and had held the fourth World Assembly for Women.

10. Japan hoped that the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which would be hosted in

Tokyo in 2020, would be an opportunity to foster an inclusive society and was aiming for

the realization of a “society with the dynamic engagement of all citizens”. In particular,

Japan had enforced the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with

Disabilities.

11. Japan had implemented various measures to eradicate sexual exploitation of children

and tackle sexual offences and human trafficking, such as formulating the Basic Plan on

Measures against Child Sexual Exploitation, revising the Penal Code, revising the Action

Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons and amending the Act on Punishment of Organized

Crimes and Control of Crime Proceeds.

12. On the protection of the human rights of all people, including foreign nationals,

Japan had enforced the Hate Speech Elimination Act.

13. Under the amended Criminal Procedure Code, all detained suspects were eligible for

court-appointed defence counsel, and audiovisual recording of interrogations was

mandatory in cases specified by the Code.

14. Regarding the substitute detention system, besides the amendment noted above, the

time, duration and manner of interrogations by the police were controlled by a national

regulation. Furthermore, it was the judges who decided the reason or need for detention.

15. Japan stated that, regarding the comfort women issue, the Foreign Ministers of Japan

and the Republic of Korea had confirmed that the issue was “resolved finally and

irreversibly”. Under the cooperation between the two countries, projects had been carried

out for recovering the honour and dignity and healing the psychological wounds of former

comfort women, based upon that agreement. Japan would lead the world in making the

twenty-first century an era in which women’s human rights were not infringed upon.

16. Japan looked forward to having future-oriented and constructive exchanges of

views.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

17. During the interactive dialogue, 106 delegations made statements.

Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present

report.

18. The Netherlands welcomed the reinforced prosecution of sexual offences and

domestic abuse. It regretted the lack of a moratorium on executions.

19. New Zealand welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities.

20. Norway expressed concerns at the lack of legislation against workplace gender

discrimination, and at executions.

21. Panama welcomed the submission of periodic reports to the treaty bodies.

22. Peru appreciated progress regarding the rights of persons with disabilities and

gender equality, and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

23. The Philippines welcomed measures to address the gender pay gap, disparities in

inheritance rights between children born in or out of wedlock, and violence against women,

as well as the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Transnational

Organized Crime and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities.

24. Portugal made recommendations.

25. Qatar welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the Action Plan to Combat

Trafficking in Persons, and human rights training for civil servants.

26. The Republic of Korea expressed concern about the so-called “comfort women”

issue, emphasizing that the correct education of history was imperative to prevent

recurrence of the past wrongdoings. It noted that many victims and civil society groups had

found key elements of the Agreement on Comfort Women unacceptable and unsatisfactory.

It also noted the adoption of the Hate Speech Elimination Act.

27. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the criminalization of sexual exploitation of

children, the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and

its implementation act, and the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

28. The Russian Federation expressed concerns at persisting issues relating to national

and ethnic minorities and reports of infringements of freedom of the media by State

authorities.

29. Rwanda welcomed the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic,

Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,

and encouraged measures to address underrepresentation of women in decision-making

positions.

30. Saudi Arabia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child

Abduction.

31. Senegal appreciated the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, and amendments to

the Penal Code providing for harsher punishments for sexual crimes.

32. Serbia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and its implementation act, and measures to combat sexual exploitation of

children.

33. Sierra Leone welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities and its enactment into law, the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in

Persons, the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, and measures to combat sexual

exploitation of children.

34. Singapore commended the implementation of laws and programmes to fulfil the

obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the entry into

force in Japan of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime,

and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

35. Slovenia welcomed legislative and policy progress towards gender equality, while

encouraging the revision of educational textbooks.

36. Spain welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality.

37. Sri Lanka appreciated the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized

Crime and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and legislative and policy measures to

improve gender equality and to combat sexual exploitation of children.

38. The State of Palestine welcomed efforts to improve education and to empower

women.

39. The Sudan welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities, and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons and the Act on

Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace. It was concerned

at the gender wage gap.

40. Sweden made recommendations.

41. Switzerland regretted the absence of a moratorium on executions and expressed

concerns at the daiyo kangoku detention system. It welcomed progress in eliminating

discrimination based on sexual orientation.

42. Thailand welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and

the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and efforts on human rights education.

43. Timor-Leste commended the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and

Advancement in the Workplace, the criminalization of possession of child pornography, the

promotion of universal access to health care, and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in

Persons.

44. Togo appreciated the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, its enactment into law, and programmes, and the ratification of the Hague

Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

45. Tunisia welcomed programmes aimed at training officials on human rights,

addressing violence against women, protecting children’s rights, and combating

harassment.

46. Turkey appreciated the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the human rights

education programmes for public servants.

47. Uganda welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

48. Ukraine encouraged further efforts towards the domestication of international human

rights law.

49. The United Kingdom encouraged Japan to adopt a moratorium on executions. It

welcomed the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Transnational

Organized Crime and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol.

50. The United States welcomed efforts to reduce discrimination against certain groups,

while regretting that legislative gaps remained in that regard. It was concerned about the

regulatory framework that inhibited broadcast media.

51. Uruguay welcomed steps to include the provisions of the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women into national legislation, and to

combat violence against women.

52. Uzbekistan expressed concerns at reports of hate speech and incitement to violence

in the media.

53. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed efforts towards eliminating

discrimination and promoting universal access to basic health services, and the ratification

of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It was concerned

about the increased number of persons condemned to death and executed.

54. Viet Nam welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons and the fourth Basic

Plan for Gender Equality.

55. Yemen welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the Action Plan to Combat

Trafficking in Persons.

56 Zambia noted that most of the supported recommendations of the previous universal

periodic review had not been implemented.

57. Afghanistan welcomed the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic,

Social and Cultural Rights, and efforts to prevent all forms of discrimination in the

workplace, education and health care.

58. Algeria appreciated the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, and measures to penalize sexual

crimes, reinforce child protection and combat trafficking in persons. It encouraged the

ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of Their Families.

59. Angola welcomed the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social

and Cultural Rights, and human rights education programmes for civil servants.

60. Argentina welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and its enactment into law.

61. Australia commended the ratification of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects

of International Child Abduction, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, while

expressing concern about the continued implementation of the death penalty and inhumane

conditions for those awaiting execution.

62. Austria welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

63. Azerbaijan appreciated the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities, and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons. It encouraged

Japan to create an independent national human rights institution.

64. Bahrain welcomed the Act on Punishment of the Preparation of Acts of Terrorism

and Other Organized Crimes.

65. Bangladesh appreciated the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities, and the Act on the Promotion of Efforts to Eliminate Unfair

Discriminatory Speech and Behaviour against Persons Originating from Outside Japan. It

expressed concerns about conditions in the workplace.

66. Belarus welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality. It

expressed concerns at reports of persisting problems regarding sexual exploitation of

children, lack of legal protection for journalists, and the recently adopted Act on the

Protection of Specially Designated Secrets.

67. Belgium welcomed progress on children’s rights and highlighted the need for further

progress in the areas of gender equality and violence against women. It encouraged Japan to

launch a thorough public debate on the death penalty.

68. Benin commended cooperation with the special procedures and appreciated the

support by Japan for the economic and social development of the least developed countries.

69. Bhutan welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child

Abduction.

70. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International

Child Abduction, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol.

71. Botswana welcomed the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, aimed at eliminating

all forms of violence against women. It noted the absence of a specific law defining racial

discrimination.

72. Brazil expressed concern about the possible risks to journalists regarding the Act on

the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets. It welcomed the ratification of the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and amendments to the Penal Code

to address sexual crimes.

73. Brunei Darussalam appreciated the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and the subsequent enactment into law.

74. Japan emphasized that each recommendation from the United Nations human rights

mechanisms would be duly considered and appropriately dealt with, taking into account

various aspects including the Sustainable Development Goals.

75. “Unity in diversity” — accepting and respecting the differences of others — was one

of the core concepts for the Olympic and Paralympic Games being held in Tokyo in 2020.

76. Japan had been monitoring the implementation of the Act for Eliminating

Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and would make necessary revisions.

77. On business and human rights, Japan would develop and publish its national action

plan in the coming years.

78. Japan had continuously held meetings of the Council for Ainu Policy Promotion,

with Ainu representation, to promote comprehensive policy.

79. Regarding child pornography, Japan had strengthened the crackdown and promoted

various measures to prevent damage and support victims. Those steps would be followed

up on every year.

80. Japan had established ad hoc human rights counselling centres at welfare facilities

for the elderly. Japan had taken measures to protect elderly persons suffering elder abuse

and to support elderly persons’ caregivers etc., based on the law.

81. Japan had deleted the Civil Code provision concerning children born out of wedlock,

in December 2013. Japan was conducting human rights education in schools and

communities, taking into consideration students’ developmental stages as well as local

circumstances.

82. Japan was considering submitting a bill to the Diet as soon as possible to make the

marriage age 18 for men and women.

83. Japan reported that allowing same-sex marriage or introducing a partnership system

at the national level should be given careful consideration.

84. Japan reported that it examined appropriately whether applicants for refugee status,

including applicants from Myanmar, were Convention refugees, while considering the

circumstances of their home countries as well as their individual circumstances.

85. Article 14 of the Constitution guaranteed the principle of equality before the law.

86. Based on the 2014 action plan, Japan was continuing to take a holistic approach to

eradicating human trafficking, including by enhancing protection and support for victims.

87. Japan had granted special permission to stay, for all victims of trafficking in persons

illegally staying in Japan.

88. Regarding the conclusion of the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, careful consideration was

needed.

89. Japan noted that it had a provisional stay system for applicants for refugee status

who did not have resident status. It reported that deportation was suspended while the

application was pending and that provisional release was applied flexibly in cases where the

person had been detained.

90. Japan had enacted the new act on the technical intern training system, which had

relevant provisions and penalties to protect the human rights of trainees, in November 2017.

91. Freedom of expression, including that of the press, was a fundamental human right

fully guaranteed by the Constitution and domestic laws, and government officials had never

put pressure on journalists. The Broadcast Act was established within a framework of

autonomy and independence of broadcasters, and ensured that broadcasters enjoyed some

of the freest media circumstances.

92. Regarding violence against women, Japan had implemented measures based on law.

For foreign victims in particular, language barriers had been addressed.

93. Japan had achieved a reduction in the number of long-term patients in medical

hospitals during the present decade. Japan promoted deinstitutionalization for the mentally

disabled, by expanding resources for community-based care.

94. Bulgaria welcomed the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with

Disabilities and the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

95. Cabo Verde welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities. It encouraged Japan to reduce the gender wage gap and to take steps to

increase women’s participation in decision-making processes.

96. Canada commended the ratification and implementation of the Hague Convention

on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and the promotion of equality by

voting in favour of the Human Rights Council resolutions on sexual orientation and gender

identity.

97. Chad welcomed the ratification of several human rights conventions.

98. Chile asked about measures taken to ensure the rights of children born out of

wedlock in conformity with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

99. China noted with concern that gender inequality remained grave, and deplored the

lack of compensation for “comfort women”.

100. Colombia welcomed the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and

Advancement in the Workplace and the ratification of the Hague Convention on the Civil

Aspects of International Child Abduction.

101. Costa Rica appreciated the educational training programmes on human rights for

civil servants, and measures to fight trafficking in persons.

102. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child

Abduction.

103. Croatia welcomed the Basic Plan on Measures against Child Sexual Exploitation,

and the ratification of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child

Abduction and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It expressed

concern about the practice of corporal punishment and the death penalty.

104. Cuba noted the gender wage gap and the low level of women’s representation in

leadership positions.

105. Cyprus welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality. It encouraged Japan to continue

its combat against trafficking in persons.

106. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea expressed concern about the persistent

human rights violations, including discrimination, hate speech, massive surveillance and

restrictions on freedom of expression.

107. Denmark welcomed the call by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations for

abolition of the death penalty by 2020.

108. Egypt welcomed continued efforts to advance human rights.

109. Ethiopia appreciated Japan’s international cooperation, which contributed to the

promotion and protection of human rights.

110. Finland welcomed the efforts of Japan to promote gender equality, as well as the

recent accession to instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child

Abduction, while noting that the remaining challenges included the abolition of the death

penalty.

111. France noted the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Transnational

Organized Crime, the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, the Hague Convention on the Civil

Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities.

112. Georgia commended the ratification of several important international instruments.

113. Germany welcomed the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with

Disabilities, and the progress in advancing children and women’s rights.

114. Ghana welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the Basic Programme for Persons with Disabilities.

115. Guatemala made recommendations.

116. Haiti welcomed the two laws: one granting divorced women the right to remarry

after six months and the other on non-discrimination against persons with disabilities.

117. Honduras welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol.

118. Iceland welcomed efforts to strengthen gender equality, and to protect women’s

rights, while stressing the need for improvement.

119. India welcomed the enforcement of the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation

and Advancement in the Workplace, the Technical Intern Training Programme, and the Act

for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.

120. Indonesia appreciated the implementation of various recommendations from the

previous universal periodic review.

121. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the criminalization of human trafficking, and the fight

against sexual exploitation of children, child pornography and prostitution.

122. Iraq welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the

Workplace.

123. Ireland noted the lack of a national legal framework for lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons, and expressed concern at the widening gender pay gap

and the underrepresentation of women in managerial and political positions.

124. Israel mentioned the establishment of a Sustainable Development Goals promotion

headquarters in Japan to advance the Sustainable Development Goals domestically and

internationally.

125. Italy welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and Japan’s first anti-hate speech law.

126. Kazakhstan noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, the Action Plan to Combat

Trafficking in Persons, and the Basic Plan on Measures against Child Sexual Exploitation.

127. Kenya welcomed the contribution by Japan to advancing the implementation of

economic, social and cultural rights in many parts of the developing world.

128. Kyrgyzstan welcomed efforts to promote and protect human rights by strengthening

the national legislative and institutional frameworks.

129. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed the implementation of the Act on

Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace.

130. Libya welcomed efforts to implement the supported recommendations from the last

universal periodic review.

131. Liechtenstein noted that Japan had not yet established an independent national

human rights institution.

132. Madagascar welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities, and the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality.

133. Malaysia welcomed strengthened efforts to promote the rights of persons with

disabilities, and women’s rights.

134. Maldives welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, and the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities

and the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace.

135. Mexico welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities.

136. Mongolia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and its enactment into law. It encouraged Japan to strengthen efforts to prevent

child abuse and violence against women, including foreign victims.

137. Montenegro praised the promotion of women’s rights and initiatives to achieve the

Sustainable Development Goals, while expressing concern about the high suspension rate

of sentences for offences involving sexual exploitation of children.

138. Morocco welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and

human rights training for civil servants.

139. Myanmar welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, in 2014, and its enactment into law.

140. Nepal welcomed the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the ratification of the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while expressing concern about the

continued use of the death penalty.

141. Paraguay welcomed the accession to the International Covenant on Economic,

Social and Cultural Rights and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and the Law on the

Elimination of Discrimination against People with Disabilities.

142. Pakistan welcomed the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the ratification of

the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Trafficking

in Persons Protocol.

143. Armenia welcomed human rights education programmes for civil servants and

measures to promote women’s and children’s rights, and the Action Plan to Combat

Trafficking in Persons.

144. Japan reported that it considered the individual communication procedure to be

noteworthy and that it would continue serious consideration on the matter.

145. Japan noted that human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender

identity should not be tolerated. Japan continued to make efforts to prevent discrimination.

146. Regarding the situation in Fukushima, health management surveys for the people of

Fukushima were conducted every year. The ratio of effective job offers in Fukushima was

above 1:1. However, the number of employees in the evacuation areas had not recovered to

previous levels. Mental health care was being provided to children affected by the disaster.

147. Japan believed that each sovereign country should be allowed to make decisions on

the issue of the death penalty independently. Domestic public opinion, the existence of

extremely vicious crimes and other factors made it inappropriate to abolish the death

penalty. A moratorium was also inappropriate, since the final judgement must be executed

impartially and thoroughly under the rule of law.

148. Japan reported its progress in improving prison conditions, including medical care

and heating and cooling, and indicated that inmates sentenced to death were treated in

appropriate conditions.

149. Japan was examining what the most appropriate human rights remedy system would

be, on the basis of the discussions heretofore. At 311 legal affairs bureaux, officials as well

as 14,000 human rights volunteers were engaged in human rights counselling, activities on

remediation, and awareness-raising activities.

150. Japan recognized that there was the development of a widespread notion that

discriminatory speech was not tolerated in society.

151. Japan was working to reduce the gender pay gap by promoting women’s

empowerment and improving workplace environments so that women could continue

working while parenting.

152. Japan had formulated the Intensive Policy to Accelerate the Empowerment of

Women and had enhanced women’s empowerment through “visualizing” current situations

of female employment in the workplace.

153. Japan had been making wide-ranging efforts to protect the human rights of suspects,

through the aforementioned measures on the substitute detention system.

154. The Prime Minister’s statement on 14 August 2015 was Japan’s recognition of

history on the past war.

155. Japan had appropriately made the decision to not designate Democratic People’s

Republic of Korea schools for the High School Enrolment Support Fund system, in

accordance with the intent of the relevant laws.

156. Nobody had been punished for violating the Act on the Protection of Specially

Designated Secrets and there were no circumstances in which the press was daunted.

157. Japan recognized that the comfort women issue was one that had severely injured

the honour and dignity of many women, and had extended its heartfelt apologies and

remorse to the former comfort women.

158. Japan stated that the issues of reparations, properties and claims arising from the war

had been settled through treaties, agreements and instruments between Japan and the

countries concerned.

159. Japan stated that “forceful taking away” of comfort women by the military and

government authorities and the figure of “200,000 persons” as the total number of comfort

women could not be confirmed in any of the documents in the full-scale fact-finding study

in the early 1990s. Japan also stated that referring to comfort women as “sex slaves” was

inappropriate, as it contradicted the facts.

160. In conclusion, Japan thanked the delegations for their constructive and valuable

comments and reiterated its continued commitment to cooperate with the universal periodic

review and make efforts for the protection and promotion of human rights.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

161. The following recommendations will be examined by Japan, which will provide

responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-seventh session of the Human

Rights Council:

161.1 Consider lifting existing reservations to the international human

rights treaties (Ukraine);

161.2 Consider recognizing the competence of the Committee on the

Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive and consider individual

complaints (Kazakhstan);

161.3 Accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Slovenia);

161.4 Consider the abolition of the death penalty in its legislation, and

proceed to the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Argentina);

161.5 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty

(Montenegro) (Spain) (Sweden) (Togo);

161.6 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and in

the meantime, establish a moratorium on execution (Croatia); establish an

immediate formal moratorium on executions and ratify the Second Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at

the abolition of the death penalty (Germany);

161.7 Establish a moratorium on the application of the death penalty and

consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

on Civil and Political Rights (Mongolia);

161.8 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Second Optional Protocol

aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and in the meantime, declare an

official moratorium on executions with a view to abolish the death penalty,

commuting the death sentences to prison terms (Uruguay);

161.9 Ratify the Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil

and Political Rights, to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women, to the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and to the Convention

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Guatemala);

161.10 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal);

161.11 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Bosnia and

Herzegovina);

161.12 Consider ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on

the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Georgia);

161.13 Consider the ratification of the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Chile);

161.14 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Panama) (Togo) (Turkey);

161.15 Continue to take measures to fight all discrimination and

stereotyping against women, in law and in practice, and, in this regard, ratify

the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women (Brazil);

161.16 Ratify the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in

Persons, Especially Women and Children (Panama);

161.17 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Cabo Verde) (Ukraine) (Uruguay);

161.18 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as soon as

possible (Ghana);

161.19 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Denmark)

(Spain) (Turkey) (Yemen);

161.20 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Uruguay);

161.21 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Egypt) (Kyrgyzstan)

(Senegal) (Sierra Leone) (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela); accede to the

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of Their Families (Honduras);

161.22 Ratify promptly the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

(Guatemala);

161.23 Sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Turkey);

161.24 Continue the deliberation among relevant institutions and

stakeholders with a view to ratify the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families and to expand discussions with representatives from the state parties

to the Convention in the region (Indonesia);

161.25 Continue taking serious consideration on the ratification of the

International Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members

of Their Families and the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189)

(Philippines);

161.26 Ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the

Crime of Genocide (Armenia);

161.27 Ratify the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute on the crime of

aggression (Liechtenstein);

161.28 Accede to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless

Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness (Costa

Rica);

161.29 Consider ratifying the ILO Discrimination (Employment and

Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) (Cabo Verde);

161.30 Ratify the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No.

169) (Guatemala);

161.31 Sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Guatemala);

161.32 Adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national

candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland);

161.33 Continue cooperating with the Human Rights Council to implement

the initiatives undertaken for the well-being and the full enjoyment of human

rights of its population (Chad);

161.34 Continue to focus on the Sustainable Development Goals in its

international engagements, especially those related to education, health,

sanitation and poverty alleviation (Pakistan);

161.35 Continue to provide support for African development, through the

Tokyo International Conference on African Development process (Sierra

Leone);

161.36 Continue its leadership role in supporting the achievement of the

Sustainable Development Goals as exemplified, among others, by the pledge to

contribute USD 1.1 billion for SDG 3 (Bhutan);

161.37 Continue efforts towards the establishment of an independent

national human rights institution in full accordance with the Paris Principles

(Georgia); continue efforts to establish a national human rights institution in

accordance with the Paris Principles (Malaysia) (Qatar) (Bolivarian Republic

of Venezuela);

161.38 Accelerate its efforts to establish a National Human Rights

Commission, ensuring its independence and full compliance with the Paris

Principles (Australia); accelerate efforts towards the establishment of a Paris

Principles-compliant national human rights institution (Philippines);

161.39 Take the necessary steps to establish a national human rights

institution in line with the Paris Principles, with competence to consider and act

on complaints of human rights violations by public authorities, and with

adequate financial and human resources (Republic of Moldova);

161.40 Promote the drafting of a new law in order to establish a National

Institution of Human Rights in accordance with the Paris Principles (Costa

Rica);

161.41 Enhance efforts to establish an independent national human rights

institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Rwanda);

161.42 Take necessary steps to establish a credible national human rights

institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Uganda);

161.43 Consider establishing an independent national human rights

institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Ukraine); consider

establishing an independent national human rights institution (Azerbaijan);

consider establishing a national human rights institution based on accepted

principles (Ethiopia); consider taking steps to establish an independent

National Human Rights Institution (India); consider the establishment of an

independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris

Principles (Afghanistan) (Panama);

161.44 Establish an independent National Human Rights Institution in

accordance with the Paris Principles (Chile) (Colombia) (Croatia) (Finland)

(Sierra Leone); establish rapidly an impartial national human rights institution

in line with the Paris Principles (France); establish an independent National

Human Rights Institution, in compliance with the Principles relating to the

status of National Institutions of promotion and protection of human rights

(Guatemala); establish an independent, impartial and credible national human

rights institution in line with the Paris Principles (Kenya); establish an

independent national human rights institution with a broad mandate and

matching resources in line with the Paris Principles (Nepal);

161.45 Establish, within a clear time frame, an independent national human

rights institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles and ensure that its

mandate covers women’s rights and gender equality (Liechtenstein);

161.46 Strengthen the work of the Bureau as well as to continue the effort to

establish a National Human Rights Commission in Japan (Indonesia);

161.47 Complete the process of establishing the National Human Rights

Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Kazakhstan);

161.48 Establish an independent national human rights institution and

another institution to advocate the rights of the child (Iraq);

161.49 Establish a National Human Rights Institution in compliance with the

Paris Principles and to eliminate any forms of discrimination against foreigners

(Sudan);

161.50 Continue to strengthen national institutions responsible for human

rights (Morocco);

161.51 Continue efforts to raise awareness and educate about human rights

at all levels (Morocco);

161.52 Proceed in the development of effective tools to measure the impact of

existing schemes for human rights education, both in the short and long term

(Israel);

161.53 Expand human rights education for law enforcement officers (Viet

Nam);

161.54 Redouble efforts to sensitize and to train law enforcement officials on

human rights criteria related to their fields of work (Qatar);

161.55 Provide effective training to public services personnel in the

application of non-discrimination laws and standards in order to combat

prejudice and discriminatory behaviour (Bangladesh);

161.56 Adopt a number of legislative and practical measures designed to

combat manifestation of racial discrimination (Russian Federation);

161.57 Adopt a legislative measure prohibiting and repressing all forms of

discrimination against non-citizens, and a law eliminating the stereotypes that

constitute the cause of violence against women (Madagascar);

161.58 Eliminate legislative provisions that are discriminatory against

women, children born out of wedlock, ethnic or national minorities, and

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex persons, with a view to expressly

prohibiting hate speech and penalizing any non-consensual sexual conduct

(Mexico);

161.59 Adopt a broadly applicable anti-discrimination law, including a

comprehensive definition of discrimination, with a view to ensuring the

prohibition of all forms of direct and indirect discrimination, including on the

basis of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or nationality

(Netherlands);

161.60 Revise its laws to establish a broadly applicable anti-discrimination

law which also effectively criminalizes hate speech (Sierra Leone);

161.61 Enact a law prohibiting discrimination, including on the basis of age,

gender, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity, and that other necessary

measures be undertaken to ensure gender equality (Norway);

161.62 Continue the process of improving the implementation of anti-

discrimination legislation (Côte d’Ivoire);

161.63 Adopt and implement a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that

would prohibit and sanction any direct or indirect form of discrimination based

on age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or nationality

(Germany);

161.64 Promulgate an anti-discrimination law, based on article 14,

paragraph 1 of the Japanese Constitution, which prohibits all forms of

discrimination, especially against foreigners (Haiti);

161.65 Adopt comprehensive legislation to combat discrimination in line

with its international obligations and standards, which includes discrimination

based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Honduras);

161.66 Adopt an anti-discrimination law that can be widely applied (Iraq);

161.67 Adopt an anti-discrimination law with adequate and corresponding

penal provisions to protect victims (Kenya);

161.68 Strengthen efforts to prevent and combat every kind of

discrimination, including by adopting a comprehensive law and by means of

awareness campaigns (Italy);

161.69 Continue and deepen the implementation of measures to avoid and

prevent discrimination against minorities and indigenous populations,

including through consultations with the different indigenous peoples

(Paraguay);

161.70 Take steps to address discrimination based on sexual orientation and

gender identity, including revising the Gender Identity Disorder Law (New

Zealand);

161.71 Continue the positive developments related to the elimination of

discrimination based on sexual orientation and recognize same-sex unions at

the national level (Switzerland);

161.72 Implement comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation to protect

and promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

persons (United States of America);

161.73 Further the efforts of some local governments and private firms to

eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,

including by extending at the national level formal recognition of same-sex

partnerships (Canada);

161.74 Continue developing the implementation of actions against any kind

of discrimination for gender, ethnicity, skin colour, sexual orientation and

gender identity, among others (Colombia);

161.75 Move quickly to introduce comprehensive anti-discrimination

legislation to provide equal protection against discrimination for all persons

and on all grounds, including sexual orientation or gender identity (Ireland);

161.76 Continue with the ongoing efforts to fight discrimination against non-

citizens on the basis of race or nationality, including by ensuring that

appropriate legislation sanctioning such acts is applied effectively and all

alleged cases are investigated (Ghana);

161.77 Strengthen efforts designed to prohibit racist and xenophobic

discourses (Saudi Arabia);

161.78 Continue to take effective measures to combat all forms of

discrimination, including racial superiority and hatred, and to eliminate gender

stereotypes (Uzbekistan);

161.79 Continue implementing measures to eradicate all forms of

discrimination, including against people with other origins (Cuba);

161.80 Take appropriate measures and implement legislation effectively to

eliminate racial discrimination (Guatemala);

161.81 Take appropriate measures to eliminate exclusion of non-citizens

from accessing some public places and facilities on the basis of race or

nationality, by effectively applying legislation and investigating and sanctioning

such acts (Islamic Republic of Iran);

161.82 Conduct more active policy against racial discrimination, including

addressing the issue of incorporating an adequate definition of racial

discrimination in national legislation (Kyrgyzstan);

161.83 Adopt a comprehensive law on racial discrimination, with an

adequate definition of racial discrimination, in accordance with the

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial

Discrimination (Botswana);

161.84 Take further steps to effectively address hate speech and protect the

rights of minorities, including introducing legislation to prohibit discrimination

on the grounds of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity

(Australia);

161.85 Continue to address the problem of discrimination and hate speech,

particularly through adequate allocation of resources on this issue through

education and awareness programmes in schools (Malaysia);

161.86 Repeal all state policy and regulations which condone discrimination

against and harassment of Koreans in Japan (Democratic People’s Republic of

Korea);

161.87 Thoroughly accept legal state responsibility for and take sincere

measures to address its past crimes against humanity, including sexual slavery

(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea);

161.88 Face up to and reflect on history, sincerely apologize on the issue of

“comfort women”, make compensations to the victims, and ensure the right of

the public to information in this regard (China);

161.89 Make efforts to ensure that the future generations learn the truth of

history, including the issue of so-called “comfort women” (Republic of Korea);

161.90 Take the necessary measures to ensure that Japanese companies take

into consideration the respect of human rights in their activities abroad

(Algeria);

161.91 Consider a possibility of establishing a National Action Plan on

Business and Human Rights, pursuant to the Guiding Principles adopted by the

Human Rights Council (Chile);

161.92 Formulate a national work plan for the implementation of the United

Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to ensure that

multinational companies headquartered in Japan do not violate human rights

(Egypt);

161.93 Establish a national regulatory framework, in accordance with

United Nations guidelines, for the assessment of human rights and the

environmental impact of the business activities of multinational corporations

headquartered in Japan (Haiti);

161.94 Adopt a national action plan pursuant to the United Nations guidance

on multinational corporations to guard against human rights violations

(Kenya);

161.95 Consider applying a moratorium on executions, with a view to

ultimately abolishing the death penalty (Cyprus); consider introducing a

moratorium on capital executions with a view to fully abolishing the death

penalty (Italy);

161.96 Consider introducing a moratorium on executions as a first step

towards the abolition of the death penalty, and commute all death sentences to

terms of imprisonment (Republic of Moldova);

161.97 Take immediate measures to introduce a formal moratorium on

executions and take concrete steps towards the total abolition of the death

penalty (Norway); take measures to introduce a de jure moratorium on

executions and take concrete steps towards the abolition of the death penalty

(Rwanda);

161.98 Adopt the necessary measures to abolish the death penalty and

establish a moratorium on executions (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

161.99 Establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, as a first step

towards the complete abolition of this practice, and initiate a broad public

debate on the death penalty with a view to its final abolition (New Zealand); set

up an official moratorium for the definitive abolition of the death penalty and

facilitate the holding of debate on this issue (France); conduct a national debate

on the establishment of a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, with a

view to its abolition (Mexico);

161.100 Establish an official moratorium on executions and abolish the death

penalty for all crimes (Iceland); introduce a formal moratorium on executions

(Belgium); immediately introduce a moratorium on executions with a view to

abolishing the death penalty (Sweden); establish a moratorium on executions,

followed by eventual abolition of the death penalty (Finland); apply a new

moratorium on the death penalty with the aim of proceeding towards the final

abolition of capital punishment (Spain); establish a moratorium on the

application of the death penalty, with a view to abolishing capital punishment

before the next universal periodic review session (Brazil); introduce a formal

and immediate moratorium on executions as a first step towards the abolition

of the death penalty and to commute all death sentences to terms of

imprisonment, in line with international human rights standards

(Netherlands); put in force an immediate moratorium on the death penalty

(Denmark); establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, as a first

step towards complete abolition of this practice and as a way of reassuring the

Japanese public that adequate law enforcement does not require the state to

carry out executions (Australia);

161.101 Introduce a moratorium and instigate a public debate on the

abolition of the death penalty, while also addressing how best to support

victims and their families (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland);

161.102 Consider abolition of the death penalty (Timor-Leste);

161.103 Consider abolition of the death penalty and implementation of an

immediate moratorium on executions (Liechtenstein);

161.104 Make progress on the abolition of the death penalty (Colombia);

161.105 Abolish the death penalty (Paraguay) (Portugal);

161.106 Abolish the death penalty and modify the penitentiary regulations to

strictly limit solitary confinement (Panama);

161.107 Introduce a system of mandatory appeal in cases where the death

penalty has been handed down (Switzerland);

161.108 Ensure the protection of the rights of those sentenced to death, by

guaranteeing among other things the suspensive effect of any appeal request or

claim to review the trial (France);

161.109 Designate an official body for a comprehensive review and

recommendations in view to promote an informed debate on the reform of the

death penalty (Austria);

161.110 Review its death penalty policy and strongly consider a moratorium

on the use of capital punishment, and to engage in public debate about the

future use of the death penalty (Canada);

161.111 Improve prison conditions with the aim of aligning them to

international norms and standards on the treatment of prisoners (Spain);

161.112 Improve the treatment of all prisoners as regards medical and dental

care, heating in winter, cooling in summer as well as the nutritional quality of

the food served (Sweden);

161.113 Improve prison conditions to bring them in line with internationally

accepted standards and guidelines (Zambia);

161.114 Follow the appropriate United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for

the Treatment of Prisoners in order to improve detention conditions by

providing: better and timelier medical and dental treatment; appropriate

provisions to withstand the cold winter temperatures in prisons; and larger

servings of food to inmates (Canada);

161.115 Bring the prison and detention conditions in line with international

human rights norms and standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules

(Denmark);

161.116 Continue its efforts in the implementation of the United Nations

Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Palermo Protocol

to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and

Children domestically in an appropriate manner (Pakistan);

161.117 Continue to combat human trafficking (Senegal);

161.118 Continue to enhance its legislative and protection frameworks to

combat and prevent all forms of trafficking in persons (Singapore);

161.119 Strengthen its efforts to combat trafficking in persons, including by

formulating a comprehensive anti-trafficking legal framework, especially in

order to protect women and children from exploitation (Thailand);

161.120 Further intensify investigation, prosecution and adequate sanctions

in all cases of human trafficking (Turkey);

161.121 Strengthen measures to combat trafficking in persons, in particular

those related to the sexual exploitation of women and children (Algeria);

161.122 Continue exerting further efforts to improve access of victims of

trafficking and sexual violence to complaints mechanisms and protection

services (Azerbaijan);

161.123 Redouble its efforts against human trafficking and adopt a specific

action plan for the protection and compensation of victims (Honduras);

161.124 Enact an anti-human trafficking law to protect human rights of

migrants from violations by recruitment agencies, brokers and employers

(Kenya);

161.125 Take adequate measures to effectively address violence against

foreign, minority and indigenous women by prosecuting and sanctioning all

forms of violence, and ensuring that victims have access to immediate means of

redress and protection (Islamic Republic of Iran);

161.126 Explicitly prohibit corporal punishment in all settings by law

(Montenegro);

161.127 Expressly prohibit corporal punishment in all settings (Zambia);

161.128 Take into full consideration the recommendations made by the

United Nations human rights mechanisms on hate speech (Republic of Korea);

161.129 Comprehensive measures including legislative means to ensure

independence of media (Russian Federation);

161.130 Review the legal framework governing broadcast media and, in

particular, that the Government review and repeal Article 4 of the Broadcast

Act (United States of America);

161.131 Create an independent administrative body to regulate broadcast

media (United States of America);

161.132 Continue to guarantee the independence of the media, including by

reviewing the current legal framework governing the broadcast media, and to

strengthen media independence by removing the legal basis for undue

government interference (Austria);

161.133 Adopt necessary measures to create the necessary conditions for the

activities of a free independent mass media (Belarus);

161.134 Refraining from the practice of surveillance and intrusion into the

private lives of representatives of religious minorities (Russian Federation);

161.135 Continue to improve the national system of administration of justice,

including guarantees for the rights of persons being held in detention (Russian

Federation);

161.136 Authorize the defendant to immediately have access to a lawyer and

limit the detention period without charges to a maximum of 48 hours, as a step

towards abolishing this system (Switzerland);

161.137 Continue ongoing reforms in the field of justice and criminal

procedure with a view to an in-depth review of the system of substitute

detention (daiyô kangoku) (France);

161.138 Consider improving the basic pension scheme for the elderly, in

consultation with their representatives within the associations, so as to

guarantee them sufficient resources to cover their living expenses (Haiti);

161.139 Intensify its efforts towards poverty reduction and sustainable

development (Timor-Leste);

161.140 Strengthen regulations that set limits on extending working hours

with a view to capping work-related deaths and suicides (Botswana);

161.141 Adopt specific measures to rectify labour standards violations as a

follow-up to inspections conducted on the Technical Intern Training

Programme (Portugal);

161.142 Continue efforts to protect workers’ rights to safe and healthy

working conditions (Iraq);

161.143 Consider amplifying the application of the Relief Act for the Victims

of the Atomic Bomb to the second generation of the survivors of atomic bombs,

particularly in health issues (Costa Rica);

161.144 Develop community-based and people-centred mental health services

and supports that do not lead to institutionalization, over medicalization and to

practices that fail to respect the rights, will and preferences of all persons

(Portugal);

161.145 Ensure that the “Tuition Waiver and Tuition Support Fund

Programme for High School Education” is extended to all schools in the

country, including those that are under the responsibility of local governments

(Portugal);

161.146 Continue in its efforts to ensure full access to education enrolment to

all and to remove any obstacles that minority communities may face,

particularly in reference to equal access to education for women and girls

(State of Palestine);

161.147 Promote equal access for women and girls to all levels of education

(Timor-Leste);

161.148 Continue promoting equal access for women and girls to all levels of

education (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

161.149 Strengthen their efforts aimed at empowering women, in particular

through continuing to improve access for women and girls to quality education

(Cyprus);

161.150 Ensure that minority children enjoy the right to education without

discrimination, in line with the recommendations by the Committee on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Committee on the Elimination of

Racial Discrimination (Austria);

161.151 Take measures to extend the “Tuition Waiver and Tuition Support

Fund Program for High School Education” to children attending Korean

schools and ensure equal treatment of Korean schools in accordance with the

recommendations of relevant United Nations treaty bodies (Democratic

People’s Republic of Korea);

161.152 Further strengthen the promotion of gender equality and protect

women from all forms of discrimination and violence (Myanmar);

161.153 Continue to protect vulnerable groups, in particular women, children

as well as foreigners (Senegal);

161.154 Ensure the effective implementation of the 4th Basic Plan for Gender

Equality with particular focus on the “Reformation of “men-oriented working

styles” for women’s empowerment” (Bahrain);

161.155 Continue its efforts in the advancement of the protection of the rights

of women, gender equality and the promotion of gender-equal society by

implementing the fourth Basic Plan for Gender Equality (Bulgaria);

161.156 Continue the implementation of the Basic Plan for gender equality

(Cuba);

161.157 Continue its efforts for the promotion and protection of gender

equality (Iceland);

161.158 Step up its efforts to improve gender empowerment and women’s

rights nationally and continue to contribute at regional and global levels

(Indonesia);

161.159 Strengthen the legislative framework to promote gender equality, in

particular in the field of employment (Belgium);

161.160 Focus on the successful implementation of the Act on Promotion of

Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace as well as to share

its best practices of their experiences in the achievement of women employees in

the country (Brunei Darussalam);

161.161 Step up its efforts to encourage enterprises to take positive measures

to narrow the gender pay gap, including regarding women’s access to

managerial positions (Ireland);

161.162 Continue implementing the Act on Promotion of Women’s

Participation and Advancement in the Workplace, including through the

monitoring of the stated goals in the action plans published by relevant

government bodies and private companies (Israel);

161.163 Intensify efforts directed to eliminating discrimination against

women, including promotion of equal access for women and girls to all levels of

education (Kyrgyzstan);

161.164 Take effective measures to address gender inequality, combat

domestic violence and sexual exploitation, and effectively protect women’s and

children’s rights (China);

161.165 Adopt a comprehensive definition of discrimination against women in

line with article 1 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women (Slovenia);

161.166 Make efforts to guarantee gender wage equality, including those

aimed at women’s access to management positions (Paraguay);

161.167 Increase the support for the presence of women in the workplace with

active policies for the promotion of employment and reconciliation measures

that allow for this (Spain);

161.168 Intensify its efforts to eliminate the gender wage gap (Sudan);

161.169 Ensure decent work without discrimination by enhancing effective

implementation of the Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the Act on

Promotion of Women’s Participation in the Workplace, and by ensuring

reasonable wages and safe working conditions for foreign workers, particularly

those under the Technical Internship and Training Program (Thailand);

161.170 Continue efforts to eliminate discrimination against women and

establish full gender equality, especially in the labour market and at the salary

level (Tunisia);

161.171 Intensify efforts to reduce wage inequality on the basis of gender

(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

161.172 Enact legislation to ensure equal pay for equal work to both men and

women in order to maintain gender parity and prevent discrimination based on

gender (India);

161.173 Continue efforts to implement recommendations 151 and 152 from

the previous universal periodic review on the gender pay gap and women’s

participation in decision-making processes (Benin);

161.174 Continue its efforts to combat all forms of violence against women

and to create conditions of assistance in order to facilitate the protection of

victims of violence (Angola);

161.175 Continue the work for eradication of violence against women and

children, including sexual violence (Kyrgyzstan);

161.176 Intensify the comprehensive approaches in eliminating sexual

exploitation among women and girls (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

161.177 Additional reform of the Penal Code to raise the age of sexual consent

and prohibit spousal rape (New Zealand);

161.178 Reinforce measures to prevent and combat gender-based violence,

particularly in the fight against human trafficking, and with special emphasis

on the prevention of the sexual exploitation of children and girls (Paraguay);

161.179 Investigate all reports of domestic violence, including the same-sex

couples (Timor-Leste);

161.180 Protect women from sexual violence by expanding the scope of the

anti-domestic violence law to other situations than cohabitant couples and by

explicitly criminalizing marital rape (Belgium);

161.181 Continue with the positive work already being implemented to

combat domestic violence, in particular against foreign, minority and

indigenous workers and through ensuring that victims have support, care and

redress for the abuse (Maldives);

161.182 Take measures to reduce inequalities between men and women, in

particular by raising the legal age of marriage to 18 years for all (France);

161.183 Raise the minimum age of marriage to eighteen for women (Iceland);

161.184 Continue to implement measures to advance gender equality in

political, administrative and economic spheres (Sri Lanka);

161.185 Continue in its efforts to accelerate the achievement of substantive

equality for women and men, with a greater focus on women, especially

minority women, in decision-making policy positions in the public and private

sectors (State of Palestine);

161.186 Step up efforts to combat violence against children, including

prohibition of corporal punishment (Russian Federation);

161.187 Continue with undertaking actions to promote the well-being of

children by comprehensive suppression of violence against children (Serbia);

161.188 Modify all discriminatory provisions on the social and legal status of

children born out of wedlock (Argentina);

161.189 Continue with its plans to strengthen child protection and welfare

activities, including the introduction of legislation for this purpose (Bhutan);

161.190 Establish enforceable domestic child access mechanisms that would

allow both parents to maintain on a regular basis personal relations and direct

contact with their children in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of

the Child (Canada);

161.191 Strengthen efforts to implement the Hague Convention of 1980 on the

Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Italy);

161.192 Continue implementation of the Government’s “Basic Plan on

Measures against Child Sexual Exploitation”, and supporting and

rehabilitation of victims (Sri Lanka);

161.193 Further increase its efforts to combat sexual exploitation of children,

child pornography and prostitution, and provide assistance to victims of sexual

exploitation (Sweden);

161.194 Continue efforts to protect children from sexual abuse and

exploitation by implementing the Basic Plan adopted in April 2017 through

measures to combat sexual exploitation of children (Tunisia);

161.195 Continue to focus on the priority to combat sexual exploitation of

children (Belarus);

161.196 Continue efforts to investigate and prosecute crimes related to the

sexual exploitation of children (Peru);

161.197 Ensure the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities in line with national efforts (Lao People’s Democratic

Republic);

161.198 Implement fully its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities, including following the Committee’s guidelines on

Article 14 to protect the security and personal integrity of persons with

disability who are deprived of their liberty (New Zealand);

161.199 Carry out necessary reforms to address stigma against persons with

disabilities in order to strengthen implementation of the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Uganda);

161.200 Continue with its efforts to promote the rights of persons with

disabilities and eliminate discrimination (Brunei Darussalam);

161.201 Continue advancing the situation of persons with disabilities by

providing access to education, health, jobs and public spaces as well as

protecting from all forms of violence and discrimination (Myanmar);

161.202 Continue to expand existing programmes and introduce new ones

where necessary to support and to promote the meaningful participation of all

persons with disabilities in society (Singapore);

161.203 Continue to promote the efforts to make mentally and psychologically

disabled persons benefit from the health-care services (Libya);

161.204 Continue with encouraging the private business sector to continue

undertaking relevant measures to employ persons with disabilities, in

accordance with the domestic law provisions (Serbia);

161.205 Strengthen measures so that ethnic minorities — Ainu, Ryukyu and

Burakumins — can fully enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights

(Peru);

161.206 Continue efforts for the protection and promotion of the rights of

migrant workers (Nepal);

161.207 Strengthen the legal protection for migrant workers to eliminate

cases of abuse and exploitation (Uganda);

161.208 Continue to strengthen oversight of its Technical Intern Training

Programme to ensure migrant workers participating in the programme receive

full protection and support commensurate with the Government of Japan’s

international obligations (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland);

161.209 Ensure that suspected abusive employers of migrant workers can be

duly prosecuted (Bangladesh);

161.210 Continue its efforts to improve the situation of migrant workers and

members of their families (Côte d’Ivoire);

161.211 Scale up the human rights protection awareness-raising of vulnerable

groups, including migrant workers (Ethiopia);

161.212 Continue measures to promote working conditions of foreign

workers, especially women foreign workers; and to improve their integration

into Japanese society (Viet Nam);

161.213 Ensure that the refugee status determination process is conducted in

a fair, effective and transparent manner in line with international law (Kenya);

161.214 Continue providing support for the voluntary evacuees from the

high-radiation areas of Fukushima, with housing, financial and other life-

assisting means and with periodic health monitoring of those affected, in

particular those who were children at the time of the accident (Austria);

161.215 Apply the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement to all those

impacted by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in order to ensure full and

equal participation for both women and men in decision-making processes

regarding their resettlement (Portugal);

161.216 Respect the rights of persons living in the area of Fukushima, in

particular of pregnant women and children, to the highest level of physical and

mental health, notably by restoring the allowable dose of radiation to the 1

mSv/year limit, and by a continuing support to the evacuees and residents

(Germany);

161.217 Guarantee access to health services for those affected by the

Fukushima nuclear accident, as well as for the generations of survivors of the

use of nuclear weapons (Mexico).

162. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Japan was headed by Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura, Representative of

the Government of Japan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Human

Rights and composed of the following members:

• Mr. Junichi Ihara, Ambassador, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of

Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva;

• Ms. Mitsuko Shino, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent

Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva;

• Mr. Kansuke Nagaoka, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the International

Organizations in Geneva;

• Mr. Hideo Keage, Deputy Director, Comprehensive Ainu Policy Office, Cabinet

Secretariat;

• Ms. Kaoru Ikemura, Deputy Director, General Affairs Division, Gender Equality

Bureau, Cabinet Office;

• Mr. Hibiki Tamura, Deputy Director, Gender Equality Promotion Division, Gender

Equality Bureau, Cabinet Office;

• Mr. Shinichiro Handa, Director, Detention Management Division, Commissioner

General’s Secretariat, National Police Agency;

• Mr. Kota Takashi, Assistant Director, International Affairs Division, Commissioner

General’s Secretariat, National Police Agency;

• Mr. Syunsuke Sakamoto, Assistant Director, Community Safety Planning Division,

Community Safety Bureau, National Police Agency;

• Mr. Keiichiro Tao, Assistant Director, Criminal Affairs Planning Division, Criminal

Affairs Bureau, National Police Agency;

• Mr. Ryota Shimizu, Assistant Director, Security Planning Division, Security Bureau,

National Police Agency;

• Mr. Koichi Fujinami, Director, Information and Communications Bureau, Ministry

of Internal Affairs and Communication;

• Ms. Junko Irie, Attorney, Deputy Director, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of

Justice;

• Mr. Yuzuru Hamano, Chief, Office of International Affairs, Secretarial Division,

Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Yukihiro Saito, Coordinator, Prison Service Division, Correction Bureau,

Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Hirokazu Kayawake, Attorney, Human Rights Bureau, Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Dai Saito, Chief, Human Rights Promotion Division, Human Rights Bureau,

Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Noriaki Hashimoto, Attorney, Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice;

• Ms. Kaori Miichi, Attorney, Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Kazuhiro Kurihara, Attorney, Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice;

• Ms. Shiori Nakayama, Official, Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice;

• Mr. Shun Kudo, Planning Unit Chief, Student Affairs Division, Elementary and

Secondary Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and

Technology;

• Mr. Yusuke Nakashima, Unit Chief, International Affairs Division, Minister’s

Secretariat, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology;

• Mr. Yutaka Goda, Deputy Director, Internal Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat,

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare;

• Mr. Yusuke Matsubara, Deputy Director, U.S. Facilities Construction and Planning

Division, Bureau of Defense Buildup Planning, Ministry of Defense;

• Mr. Akira Oka, Deputy Director, Okinawa Coordination Division, Bureau of Local

Cooperation, Ministry of Defense;

• Mr. Masatoshi Sugiura, Director, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division,

Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• Ms. Naoko Uraoka, Attorney, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division,

Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• Mr. Takeshi Ozaki, Official, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division,

Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• Ms. Hiromi Otsuki, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the International

Organizations;

• Ms. Minae Tsuchiya, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the

International Organizations;

• Ms. Tomoko Kubota, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the

International Organizations;

• Mr. Hiroshi Tagami, Attaché, Permanent Mission of Japan to the International

Organizations.