The "Law for the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination against Buraku" has been enacted.

The "Law for the Promotion of the Elimination of Discrimination against Buraku" was promulgated and enforced on December 16, 2016.

This law states that "it is an important issue to eliminate discrimination against Buraku, based on the recognition that discrimination against Buraku still exists and that changes in the situation regarding discrimination against Buraku have occurred with the advancement of information technology, in accordance with the principles of the Constitution of Japan, which guarantees the enjoyment of fundamental human rights for all citizens, and that discrimination against Buraku is unacceptable." It clarifies the basic principles, the responsibilities of the national and local governments regarding the elimination of discrimination against Buraku, and establishes specific measures such as enhancing consultation systems, education and awareness, and conducting surveys related to the actual conditions of discrimination against Buraku.

The main contents are as follows.

Main contents of the law promoting the elimination of discrimination against Buraku

1 Basic Philosophy

Policies for the elimination of discrimination against burakumin must be carried out with the aim of realizing a society free from such discrimination, based on the principle that all citizens are respected as irreplaceable individuals who equally enjoy fundamental human rights. This requires efforts to deepen each citizen's understanding of the necessity to eliminate discrimination against burakumin.

2 Responsibilities of the National and Local Governments

1. The national government has the responsibility to implement measures to eliminate discrimination against buraku, in accordance with the basic principles, and to provide necessary information, guidance, and advice to promote measures taken by local governments to eliminate discrimination against buraku.
2. Local governments shall strive to implement measures appropriate to the circumstances of their region, in accordance with the basic principles, while collaborating with the national government and other local governments, taking into account the appropriate division of roles regarding the elimination of discrimination against certain communities.

3 Enhancement of Consultation System

1. The government will enhance the system to respond accurately to consultations regarding discrimination against buraku.
2. Local governments shall strive to enhance their systems to appropriately respond to consultations regarding discrimination against communities, taking into account the appropriate division of roles with the national government and the actual circumstances of their regions.

4 Education and Awareness

1. The government shall provide necessary education and awareness to eliminate discrimination against buraku.
2. Local governments shall strive to provide necessary education and awareness to eliminate discrimination against communities, taking into account the appropriate division of roles with the national government and the actual conditions of their regions.

5 Investigation on the Actual Conditions of Discrimination Against Buraku

The national government will conduct surveys related to the actual conditions of discrimination against buraku, with the cooperation of local governments, in order to implement measures to eliminate such discrimination.

Related Links

• Tokyo Metropolitan General Affairs Bureau Human Rights Division(External Link)
• Ministry of Justice Human Rights Bureau(External Link)