Japan: Chinese Authorities Harass Critics Abroad
Beijing’s Transnational Repression Hinges on Threats Against Families in China
Japan is a liberal democracy with a record of upholding civil and political rights, but its laws and systems to protect rights are weak. Japan has no laws prohibiting racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination, or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Japan has a law prohibiting sexual discrimination in the workplace only. Civil society groups have long called for a national human rights institution. Serious human rights issues include an asylum and refugee determination system that rarely grants refugee status, a “hostage” justice system that detains criminal suspects for long periods to coerce confessions, use of the death penalty, and a huge psychiatric industry that uses arbitrary detention and use of physical restraints. The Japanese government continues to actively support the expansion of fossil fuels both domestically and abroad, contributing to the global climate crisis.
October 11, 2024
October 9, 2024
October 1, 2024
Beijing’s Transnational Repression Hinges on Threats Against Families in China
Denial of Bail, Coerced Confessions, and Lack of Access to Lawyers
Momentum to Revise Japan’s Legal Gender Recognition Process
Phnom Penh’s Crackdown on Critics Abroad Threatens Freedom of Expression
First International Day of Play Highlights Essential Importance for Children
This is a Pivotal Year for Tokyo to Show Leadership as it Sits on Key UN Bodies
Tokyo Should Suspend Payments, Impose Targeted Sanctions
Crown Prince Visit an Opportunity to Publicly Address Serious Abuses
Compulsory Sterilization Removed, but Lawmakers Should Reject all Onerous Requirements
Expanded Incentives for Foster Families Take Effect
Government Should Further Expand Prohibition on Restraining Pregnant People
Tokyo Should Enact Human Rights Laws to Counter Beijing’s Repression