"I have never welcomed the weakening of family ties by politics or pressure" - Nelson Mandela.
"He who travels for love finds a thousand miles no longer than one" - Japanese proverb.
"Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence." - Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
"When people's love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to change". -
David Cameron.

Monday 21 July 2014

Japan takes a step backwards in Human Rights

On Friday in Japan the Supreme Court legalised the further discrimination of non naturalised residents.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/07/18/national/social-issues/top-court-rules-non-japanese-residents-ineligible-welfare-benefits/#.U8m7XlaHdm2

In Japan there are many people born there who are not classed as Japanese Nationals due to the Japanese Nationality Laws which are based on Jus sanguinis(right of blood)

Many of these people could become naturalised but are prevented from becoming naturalised citizens due to their education and not being able to learn Japanese to elementary school level or not wanting to give up their nationality (Japan does not readily allow dual nationality) or due to their ability to get work.

Many Japanese born people who are not naturalised are legally discriminated against in Japan due to their background.  Two examples are "Zainichi" and "Hafu"

The New Ruling now prevents anybody who is not a Japanese National from claiming welfare benefits despite the fact they may have lived and worked in Japan all their life and have permanent residence.  For such people positively contributing to society and paying their taxes now counts for nothing.

Strangely it was also July 2012 that Japan introduced a new residency management system for foreign nationals who were resident there.  This system now looks like  it will be one of he main ways foreign residents are now monitored to enforce this law.

If we do not stand up for our rights we will see similar things happening here in the UK.
We have the chance to learn from the mistakes made in Japan but as with interest rate reductions the UK Government fails to see and learn from the problems caused.



No comments:

Post a Comment