UN ESCAP Workshop on Regional Follow-up to the Seventh Session and Preparation for the Eighth Session of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly on the Elaboration of a Convention on the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
Bangkok, Thailand, 20-21 July 2006

Japan and the "Convention for Persons With Disabilities"

Japan Disability Forum
July 20, 2006
UN ESCAP

1. The Birth of JDF

In Japan, core national organizations of persons with disabilities and related organizations jointly established the Japan Disability Forum (to be called JDF) in October 2005. The purpose of its establishment is to take joint collaborative action toward the realization of the “Convention for Persons with Disabilities” and the aims of the “Biwako Millennium Framework”, as well as the development of a national human rights legislative system and national plan of action.

Before the establishment of JDF, each different disability had its own national organization. These organizations were all active and had acquired a considerable amount of capability. However, efforts to tackle cross-cutting issues which are of common interest to all disabilities lacked momentum. JDF was established to solve such cross-disability issues and to realize common goals. It was the first time in the history of Japan’s disability movement that such a cross-disability coalition was formed.

2. Basic Concept

As a rule, the Chair and Secretariat are alternated among the member organizations. Member organizations are all equal in status within JDF, regardless of the size or scale of the organization. Members of JDF will collaborate only toward those goals which have been identified to be common to all members. Member organizations retain the right to lobby and take action toward their own goals and objectives.

We are not focused on certain specific rights and interests, but ensure that all members fulfill their responsibilities for the benefit of all.

3. Structure of JDF and Its Activities

The major decision-making bodies of JDF are its General Assembly, the Representatives’ Meeting, and Administrative Meeting. JDF also has Specialized Committees for each of its 4 major missions (“Convention for Persons with Disabilities”, BMF, national human rights legislative system, and national plan of action). JDF holds seminars, lobbies with government agencies, holds study sessions with the Federation of Diet Members, etc. It sends its delegation to the UN Ad Hoc Committee Meeting for the elaboration of the Convention, providing sign language interpreters, note-takers, and other live assistance should there be a need among the members of the delegation. A representative of JDF is included as a member of the Japanese Government delegation to the UN Ad Hoc. JDF also publishes a pamphlet to promote wide understanding of the “Convention for Persons with Disabilities” among the general public.

4. Challenges Confronting JDF

1. Informative Strategies:
   Each member organization must strive to disseminate information about the 4 targets of JDF within its organization, to promote active discussions on these 4 targets, and thereby strengthen its organizational movements. Statements should be adopted at JDF Seminars, workshops should be held in various regions of Japan, and information should be disseminated among the general public. If needed, JDF should issue pamphlets to promote better understanding.
2. JDF should raise awareness on the “Convention for Persons with Disabilities” among the public, and approach mass media, so as to increase the momentum toward the signing and ratification of the Convention by the government.
3. After the ratification of the “Convention”, JDF must lobby toward the abolition of all discrimination within the country, the establishment of legislation protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and the revision of related laws and regulations. JDF must conduct research and studies on the revision of national policies as well.
4. JDF must prepare for the establishment of a monitoring body on the national and regional levels of Japan.

[Note: The Japanese version of this document has been omitted.]

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