On 29 May 2017, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, David Kaye, released a report for the 35th Human Rights Council session summarizing his findings on Japan following his visit from 12-19 April 2016.
The report observes that direct and indirect pressure is being exerted on the Japanese media by the government, and it expresses concern about media independence, hate speech, and the historical recognition of comfort women.
This report will discussed at the 35th session of the UN Human Rights Council to be held in Geneva, Switzerland on the 6th of June.
You can read the report here:
Report of Special Rapporteur David Kaye on his mission to Japan
The Japanese government submitted a response to Mr. Kaye’s report on May 30 also to the Human Rights Council 35th Session which argues that its recommendations are based on mistaken and misrepresented facts and uncertain information.
You can see the text of the Japanese government’s response here:
Report of Special Rapporteur David Kaye on his mission to Japan: Comments by Japan
Human Rights Now will invite Mr. David Kay to a public meeting on 2 June 2017 where he will discuss his report. Please join us. The details for this meeting are as follows:
Meeting with Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression David Kaye
Date: June 2 (Fri) 13:00 – 14:30
(We will distribute admission passes at the entrance of the Council Hall from 12:30)
Location: The House of Representatives Second Parliament Building, multipurpose conference room
Speaker: UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression David Kay
Moderator: Kazuko Ito (Secretary General of Human Rights Now)
Organized by Human Rights Now
Co-organized by the Secret Protection Law Defense Counsel
Contact numbers: 03-3835-2110 (Human Rights Now)
03-3341-3133 (Tokyo Joint Law Office of Kaito Ogawa)
In order to know the number of participants, please apply in advance from this form (in Japanese) or contact us. Participation will be accepted as long as there is room, so please apply early. We are sincerely looking forward to your participation.