Table of Contents

• Preamble

1. Basic Thoughts

   1 Dealing with Human Rights Issues
   2 Background and History
   3 Basic thoughts regarding the promotion of human rights education and enlightenment.
   4 Position on the promotion of human rights education and enlightenment.
   
   
   

2. The Promotion of human rights education and enlightenment in every possible way.

   1 In society
   2 In schools, etc.
   3 In businesses
   4 For those engaged in specific types of employment
   
   
   

3. Dealing with Key Issues

   1 Women
   2 Children
   3 The Elderly
   4 The Disabled
   5 The Dowa Issue
   6 Foreigners
   7 HIV sufferers, etc.
   8 Various issues related to human rights
   
   
   

4. Promoting the Plan

   
   

Preamble

Aichi Prefecture Headquarters for the Promotion of Human Rights Protection Measures
Director, Governor of Aichi Prefecture Masaaki Kanda

1 Basic Thoughts

1 Dealing with Human Rights Issues

Respect of fundamental human rights is one of the most important tenets of the Constitution of Japan and is something that must be upheld at all times. However, in recent years, with the increasing complexity of the structure of society and the growing diversity of values, there are many occasions when human rights are violated. It is of the utmost importance for us to establish a sense of human rights appropriate for the new age we have entered.

Furthermore, the 21st century is said to be "the century of human rights". Respect of human rights is a universal ideology common to all mankind, and is something that we must deal with as a fundamental aspect of freedom and equality. Only when the human rights of all people are equally respected and protected will we be able to build the foundation for a peaceful and happy society. In order to create a society free from discrimination and prejudice, and to make the 21st century truly "the century of human rights" we must recognize the importance of human rights education and enlightenment and to take positive steps to implement this.

In Aichi Prefecture, in order to create a society with a greater respect for human rights, the authorities are committed to a concerted approach to promote relevant education and enlightenment programs based upon this action plan.

(1) An outline of the Compilation of the Action Plan for Human Rights Education and Enlightenment
Issues related to human rights span a wide range of areas including women, children, the elderly, the disabled and residents of Dowa areas, and as the background and history to these respective problems are equally diverse, we in Aichi Prefecture have pursued separate strategies for each of these areas.

However, in order to resolve and indeed eliminate such wide-ranging human rights problems, we need to develop local communities that are free from discrimination and prejudice and where all human rights are respected.

This action plan has been put together to serve as a guideline for such initiatives designed to deal with important human rights issues, and also with the aim of creating local communities where human rights education and enlightenment is pursued in each and every part of society; through families, schools, regions and workplaces.

(2) Fundamental Objectives
We are looking to deal with important issues related to human rights in order to achieve our goal of making Aichi Prefecture a place free from discrimination and prejudice, where human rights are respected, as well as promoting relevant education and enlightenment.

2 Background and History

Despite the struggle for human rights having been carried out internationally in a range of ways, serious problems still exist around the globe with major violations of human rights and refugee problems occurring as a result of racial discrimination and regional conflict. In Japan too, a range of issues still exists including bullying amongst children, discrimination towards women, the elderly and the disabled as well as towards residents from Dowa areas.

(1) International Trends
In 1948 a "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" was adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations (U.N.). In the preamble it states, "recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world". Also, in Article 1 it declares, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Subsequently, attempts to see human rights respected around the world have progressed with numerous covenants being adopted such as "International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights" (Social Covenant),"International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" ( Free Rights Covenant)(hereafter referred to together as the "International Human Rights Covenant") and the "Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women", the "Convention on the Rights of the Child" and the "International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination" as well as years being dedicated to important themes such as "International Women's Year", "International Year of the Disabled Persons" and the "International Year of Older Persons."
Such efforts on behalf of the United Nations have been further strengthened with the establishment in 1994 of United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights to assume the role of overseeing general human rights issues and at the 49th meeting of the General Assembly, held in December 1994, it was decided that the decade from 1995 to 2004 would be the "United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education". In this decision and its action plan, it is stated that in order to protect and promote human rights, it is important to create a society with a respect for human rights through making every individual understand what human rights are, and raising consciousness for human rights.

Furthermore, in the decision and action plan, human rights education is seen as a fundamental issue which should be promoted by international society, and the plan strongly calls for all nations to strengthen their efforts in terms of human rights education and enlightenment.

(2) National Trends
As a nation aspiring to an international society where all people's human rights are respected and all forms of discrimination are eliminated, Japan is a signatory to many treaties such as the previously mentioned "International Human Rights Covenant".

Also, in 1994, following the decision to institute the "United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education", in December 1995, the "Promotion Division for the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education" was established with the Prime Minister appointed as its Director, and in July 1997, the "Japanese Action Plan for the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education" was compiled. The aim of this plan is, "based upon the principles of respect for fundamental human rights as prescribed in the Constitution and other international human rights documents such as the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights", to strive to provide every possible kind of enlightenment, instruction and information to encourage a broader understanding of the concept and values of human rights to create a universal culture of human rights in our country."

Also, the report issued by the Council on the Policy of Regional Improvement in May 1996, concerning policies instituted to achieve an early resolution to Japan's unique Dowa issues, stated that in order to eliminate discrimination, based upon an evaluation of the results of initiatives carried out thus far in this area, there needs to be an expansive restructuring of human rights education and enlightenment initiatives to encourage respect for the fundamental human rights of all.

In this context, in March 1997, Law of Measures for the Protection of Human Rights was introduced, and with this as its foundation, Council for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights was established. This Council was put together to deliberate over the "fundamental aspects of the general promotion and implementation of education and enlightenment programs designed to deepen the mutual understanding among the citizens of Japan of the idea of respect for human rights" as well as "the fundamental aspects of implementing assistance for those who have had their human rights violated" and with regard to the former, a report was submitted on 29 July 1999. This report calls for all prefectures of the country to play a central role in the implementation of human rights education and enlightenment programs.

Also, in December 2000, "The Law on the Promotion of Human Rights Education and Enlightenment" came into force. The objective of this law is to decide and promote policies which foster human rights education and enlightenment and clarify the responsibilities of both national and regional governmental bodies as well as those of individual citizens considering the rising awareness of the vital importance of respect for human rights, and domestic and international situation regarding discrimination and violations of human rights on the basis of social position, family background, race, sex and faith etc. The fundamental concept of the law is that the human rights education and enlightenment initiatives undertaken through schools, communities, families and workplaces by national and regional government bodies must enable citizens to acquire a deeper understanding of the concept of respect for human rights during each stage of their personal development through offering a range of learning opportunities, adopting effective means, and securing respect for the independence of the citizens and the neutrality of relevant enforcing body so that people will truly comprehend and acquire the concept. The government, following this fundamental concept, carries a responsibility to formulate policy regarding human rights education and enlightenment and to implement these. Regional government bodies, in conjunction with the national government, have a responsibility to formulate and implement policy regarding human rights education and enlightenment based upon the specific situation in their region. Also, the state must formulate a basic plan concerning human rights education and enlightenment, and the government must submit a report concerning the implementation of the related initiatives to the Diet every year. (In terms of this law, "human rights education" is seen to be "educational activities which foster the spirit of respect for human rights" and "human rights awareness-raising" is defined as "publicity and other enlightenment activities which spread the concept of respect for human rights and are aimed at deepening the people's understanding of that concept-other than human rights educational activities. These definitions are also used in this action plan.)

(3) The Present Situation in Aichi Prefecture and Related Initiatives
Declaration "Aiming at creating an Aichi Prefecture where Human Rights are Respected".
In December 1995, Aichi Prefectural Assembly adopted the "Petition for the abolition of all forms of discrimination". With this, in Aichi Prefecture, as it was recognized that in order to eliminate human rights problems both the administration and each and every resident need to have a correct perception of human rights and make a determined effort, on 5 December 1997, the Aichi Prefectural Government became the first local authority in Japan to issue a declaration committing the Prefecture to human rights. It declares that as 1997 marks the 50th anniversary of both the Constitution and the Local Government Act, it is an appropriate opportunity for all residents of our prefecture to join as one in considering the importance of human rights and to redouble our efforts to make Aichi Prefecture a place where human rights are respected.
Also, in the "Taking Aichi Prefecture into the new century: 2010 plan" which was compiled in March 1998, it mentions efforts to see "the formation of a society where individuality is respected and one's abilities can be displayed", and "the formation of an internationally open community where human rights are respected". However, with regard to various human rights issue pertaining to children, women, the elderly, the disabled and Dowa residents,as there is a diverse range of backgrounds and circumstances with these areas, specific approaches are taken for each respective area.
In this context, in keeping with initiatives by the United Nations and the National Government, and in particular the fundamental aspects of the report of the Council for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, in order to promote an all-encompassing and efficient implementation of human rights policies, in October 1999, the "Aichi Prefecture Headquarters for the Promotion of Human Rights Protection Measures" was established with the Prefectural Governor as its director.

3 Basic thoughts regarding the promotion of human rights education and enlightenment

(1)Securing the dignity of the individual in a society where we can all co-exist.
With regard to human rights issues, it is not enough to merely build a society without discrimination, as the dignity of each individual must be maintained as independent human beings. In a society based upon equality and peace, it is necessary for the individual to be free and for their individuality and ability to be uninhibited.
In society, we live in a state of interdependence with many different people. However, while we may share membership of the same human race, there are a myriad of potential differences such as nationality, culture, customs, gender, generation and way of thinking. We must recognize these differences and build a society where we can all "co-exist", accepting a range of values and respecting each other's human rights.

(2) Wide-ranging and Varied Approaches
Human rights issues are wide-ranging and varied in nature.
Accordingly, human rights education and enlightenment programs must be carried out in a range of settings and forms such as life-long education venues such as kindergartens, schools, and community centers as well as the media, corporations, and private enterprises targeting every age group, from infancy to old age, and employments.
Also, with regard to the involvement of government bodies, there should be various forms taken. Some initiatives might be carried out directly by the government while others be conducted with the collaborative efforts between citizen groups such as NPOs (non-profit organizations), and in some cases, government might only need to support the activities of NPOs.
It is necessary for human rights education and enlightenment to become an integral concern in the hearts and minds of each and every resident of our prefecture, and in order that the significance and importance of human rights, as well as human right problems be recognized intuitively within us and that a natural consideration for human rights be manifested in attitudes and behavior of everyday life, we will advance a flexible and diverse programs.

(3) Consideration for Minorities and Minority Opinion
In society there are many different people, all with their own different lifestyles. Human rights is a social issue but it always comes back to being a matter for the individual and we must always respect minorities and give due consideration to minority opinions.

4 Position on the promotion of human rights education and enlightenment.

(1) Resident-Oriented Participation
It is necessary for each and every resident of our prefecture, through study and the acquisition of knowledge, to arm themselves with the perception of respect for human rights, and to see human rights issues as something specific to themselves to which they need to act upon at every possible occasion.
For this reason, as well as looking to increase the number of learning opportunities concerning human rights in all facets of life, such as families, local communities, schools, and workplaces, we are striving to make the nature of this instruction such that participation is easy, and those involved can take the initiative in their own learning.
Also, in order to further understanding of human rights issues in familiar situations such as the family or workplace, positive efforts will be made to provide information through public relation sources or the Internet and residents will be encouraged to take the initiative.

(2) The Promotion of an Administration Sensitive to Human Rights
It is necessary to promote an administration which is sensitive to human rights issues and which recognizes that a commitment to human rights is the basis of their role. For this reason, we look to carry out our administrative functions with a heightened consciousness of human rights issues and from the perspective of respect for human rights.
We will support education and enlightenment initiatives carried out either directly by the administration or by private organizations through such measures as offering information in order to promote efforts by people in all walks of life to see the significance of human rights spread through society.

(3) Continued Efforts as well as Responses to New Problems
Human rights issues can appear afresh in new forms with changes in the social environment along with changes in people's awareness of issues in their sense of values. Recent new problems include the draining of personal data or incidents of malicious discrimination involving the Internet. In order to take appropriate measures on such issues, to eliminate human rights problems, and to see a society free of discrimination and prejudice with respect for human rights, determined and continued efforts are necessary.

2 The Promotion of human rights education and enlightenment in every possible way.

1 The promotion of human rights education and enlightenment in society

(1) Present Situation and Issues
A range of human rights problems exists in the world at the moment. In order to create a society where human rights are respected, and where there is no discrimination or prejudice, the administration must, in conjunction with each and every resident of the prefecture, continue unwavering efforts based upon a correct stance with regard to human rights. Efforts must be made to promote ongoing-learning as well as education and enlightenment initiatives to encourage positive efforts by the individual residents who carry the burden of creating a society where human rights are respected.
It is important that such learning, education and enlightenment is carried out in families, local communities and schools and that these work in conjunction with each other.
In recent years, at household level, there has been an advance in the nuclear family and a reduction in number of children being born, and in local communities urbanization and depopulation has further advanced and our ability to educate has been eroded by a weakening of the social fabric. Nevertheless, we will lend support to the promotion of heightened efforts to deal with human rights issues in families and local communities.

(2) Policy Direction
Through a range of learning opportunities, it is important not only to have people correctly understand human rights issues and see them as problems related to themselves, but also to foster a sense of human rights which sees the spirit of respect for human rights come alive in our everyday lives. In order that they obtain knowledge and a sense of human rights and that they actually practice them, we will enrich the initiatives to be taken in families and regional society, aiming to create a life-education-society which enable every citizen to realize their dreams and live their lives to the fullest.

1 Human Rights Education at home
For children, the home is where individuality and respect for human rights is recognized, as well as being the most fundamental environment for mastering the basic customs and social manners that build one's character. As well as developing a consciousness towards respect for human rights, it is important for children to acquire a rich mind in the home by seeing everyone in the family, male and female, participating together in roles such as the raising of children, housework, and the care of elderly family members.
For this reason, in order to promote human rights education within the home, we support policies for this environment, providing information on home education, along with a system offering advice on child raising matters.

2 Human Rights Education and Enlightenment in the community.
In local communities it is important to create an environment which enables all people, including women, children, the elderly, the disabled, those from Dowa areas, and foreigners, to live happily and be respected by those around them.
Focusing upon the roles played by social education organizations participating in the community, such as Parent Teacher Associations, the local community, individual households, and schools can co-operate in the education of human rights' related tuition and enlightenment. As well as assisting these social education organizations, we also provide support to strengthen the mutual understanding of community residents through exchange programs and volunteer activities.
Also, we support residents' use of community facilities close at hand such as public halls, life education centers, and neighborhood houses in help their efforts towards human rights education and enlightenment.

3 Making Full Use of Learning Opportunities
It is important to make full use of human rights' related learning opportunities within the various areas of home education and social education.
Efforts will be made on human rights education and enlightenment by utilizing ingenious methods such as using topics associated with familiar, everyday activities as effective learning methods to increase students' understanding. In this respect, mediums such as leaflets, lectures and films will be utilized.
In response to the development of modern information technology, the use of various media such as the Internet is also to be promoted.

4 Training Instructors
In promoting human rights education and enlightenment in local communities, it is vital to foster suitable leaders who will become key providers of instruction regarding human rights. Thus, we promote the training of such people.

2 The Promotion of Human Rights Education in Schools

(1) Present Situation and Issues.
In kindergartens and pre-schools, importance is placed on understanding and respecting differences between individual children as well as developing an educational system that builds sympathetic, trusting personal relationships, whilst bringing out each child's unique potential.
In order to remove discrimination and prejudice regarding women, children, disabled people, residents of Dowa areas, and foreigners, human rights education carried out in kindergartens and pre-schools at the children's developmental stages, fosters a mindset and attitude that respects human rights. Emphasis is placed on promoting awareness of basic human rights' issues by deepening correct understanding and recognition.
In order to improve respect for human rights as a solution to the Dowa issue, kindergartens and pre-schools have thus far promoted an education policy that discourages all discrimination or prejudice. However, there are still many other problems such as bullying which require attention.
Furthermore, with the advance of globalization and the aging of society, it is essential to foster a way of thinking that recognizes the importance of making correct judgments and takes into account the human rights of individuals, including foreigners and the elderly.

(2) Policy Direction

1 Human rights education through various educational activities
Based on the success of Dowa Education which has progressed under the theme of 'cultivating the mindset and fostering the practical ability of respecting basic human rights', Aichi Prefecture will continue to develop education that places importance on the individual by enhancing of the respect for human rights through all education activities including special activities, moral education and all school subjects in answer to the real situation and development stages of children.
Additionally, we will make the utmost effort to create and improve effective methods of teaching and learning by incorporating hands-on and interactive learning so that children are able to acquire the ability to put learning into practice as well as to make their own judgments when considering human rights issues as something of their own. For pre-schools and kindergartens, we will strive to create a mindset base for the respect of human rights taking the characteristic traits of the development of toddler and young children into careful consideration.
Also, in order to enhance the consciousness of human rights further, we will aim to create a systematic form of teaching, taking into consideration the development stages of toddlers and young children at pre-schools and kindergartens and to seek collaboration among pre-school centers, kindergartens, elementary, junior and senior high schools in which they incorporate consistent human rights education.
We will provide the opportunity for a variety of interactive experiences among children of mixed ages as well as in life-based and nature-based experiences from toddler age up.
At tertiary education level (colleges, universities etc.), we will make efforts to implement a wide range of educational activities concerning human rights based on such education provided until then.

2 Upgrading training to improve the quality of school and pre-school teachers
The basis for promoting human rights education involves school and pre-school teachers developing an abundant sense of human rights and being in contact with each and every child under their care.
Aichi Prefecture will implement systematic and continuous school and pre-school teacher enlightenment programs, including school principals, vice principals and beginning teachers' enlightenment according to job type and years of experience. This will be done in an effort to improve teacher quality and deepen the understanding and recognition of human rights education by pre-school and school teachers.

3 Spread of performance of 'research designated schools' etc
In order to promote human rights education among all schools more effectively, the research results and practical workings of research-designated schools will be made public throughout the entire prefecture in an effort to improve and upgrade the contents and methods used for instruction in each school.

4 Cooperation with families and communities
Through improved cooperation with families and communities, the educational function of all institutions to will be used to their full potential in order to revamp human rights education. Simultaneously, Aichi prefecture will also work to upgrade education and enlightenment activities so that the proper recognition and understanding of human rights education is strengthened.
Furthermore, serious problems concerning the human rights of school children, such as bullying, will be dealt with and solved systemically within each school. This will be conducted in cooperation with families and communities as a way to prevent and solve such occurrences.

3 The promotion of human rights education and enlightenment in businesses

(1) Current Situation and Issues
Businesses have a large bearing on the enhancement of culture and social life, and thus shoulder the responsibility of contributing to the creation of an affluent society. There are a mountain of issues such as the improvement of the gap in wages and promotion between men and women, environmental considerations for the realization of men and women share roles in making work and family compatible, achievement of the legally designated rate of employment of people with disabilities and of continuous employment for the elderly, as well as sexual harassment in the workplace that must be tackled.
Under such circumstances, Aichi Prefecture has worked to secure equal opportunities and benefits for men and women in conjunction with the 'Equal Employment Opportunities Law' coming into force. Additionally, we have worked to establish a fair employment selection system by designating a 'human rights enlightenment promoter for fair employment' as well as creating a uniform application form used in the employment selection process at each workplace. These measures have been conducted from the point of view of freedom of choice of employment and equal opportunity.
However, recently in some companies and workplaces, there have been incidents of discrimination in the employment selection process and employment management regarding the Dowa issue etc. It is hoped that more companies and workplaces tackle the issue of human rights education and enlightenment and in the process enhance their consciousness of such issues.

(2) Policy Direction
Companies and workplaces play an important social role and responsibility concerning the resolution of human rights issues such as the Dowa issue. The workplace is both a place for social participation through work activities and an essential place in our lives.
For companies and workplaces, it is essential that importance isbe placed wide and far on the perspective of human rights in connection to fair employment and management. It is necessary to create comfortable working environments where human rights are respected and in order to promote this, planning will be done taking the following points into consideration.

1 Ensuring equal opportunities in terms of work.
'Human rights enlightenment promoter for fair employment' (an official designated to promote human rights enlightenment with regard to fair employment) will be appointed in order to establish a fair and equal recruitment process that does not allow discrimination during the offering of positions, preparing selection criteria, and decision-making processes.
Also, to lift human rights' consciousness within corporations and enterprises, participation in enlightenment lectures carried out by public job agencies will be encouraged.

2 The promotion of human rights education and enlightenment in corporations and enterprises.
For corporations and enterprises, there will be assistance given to in-house education through planned, consecutive activities by the designated 'human rights enlightenment promoter for fair employment', invitation of guest lecturers, and the production and distribution of enlightenment pamphlets used for enlightenment purposes.

3 Co-operation with related organizations.
In order to promote a wider effort with regards to human rights education and enlightenment, voluntary and independent efforts will be requested from management organizations of corporate bodies to increase their understanding through various initiatives.

4 The promotion of human rights education and enlightenment for those engaged in specific types of employment

(1)Administration personnel
It is important that public servants engaged in prefectural administration not only carry out their duties with respect for human rights, but also acquire an enriched awareness and correct understanding of human rights' issues.
To achieve this, systematic 'on the job' training will be given that enables all employees to carry out their duties in a way that considers and correctly recognizes human rights' issues. Human rights' education and enlightenment training will start with newly employed staff, and then be given to all employees.

(2) Educational institution personnel
Schools have a major role to play in the formation of pupils' character and therefore, the educational program and administration must not underestimate human rights issues. To that end, it is necessary for teachers themselves to have a correct recognition and awareness of human rights.
In schools, we aim to intensify education activities that place importance on the human rights of each and every child, established upon mutual trust between the teachers and school children. At the same time, we aim to improve teacher training programs, including school principals, vice principals and beginning teachers' training according to job type an years of experience. This will be done in an effort to improve teacher quality and deepen the understanding and recognition of human rights education by teaching staff who will be in the position of implementing human rights education.
Furthermore, the contents of instruction will be set according to the development stage of children and will be conducted in a creative way with the aim of enhancing human rights education for school children.

(3) Police
In order to thoroughly implement police activities that respect human rights, every opportunity will be taken to promote a code of professional ethics education.
In addition, education and training will be improved so that appropriate police conduct takes place in terms of the consideration of the human rights of victims, suspects and suspects held in custody, and other people involved. Among these efforts, the further establishment of a support system for female and child victims, including a professional consultation office that understands to the characteristics of each crime will be undertaken.

(4) Firefighters
Firefighters' work involves a close connection with the lives of the people in the community in terms of protecting belongings and the lives of them. As such, it is necessary for them to act in a way that shows respect and proper understanding of human rights. To that end, we will work hard to ensure the implementation of continuous human rights education at all fire stations and workplaces at the same time as improving the education at fire defense schools for beginner fire officers.

(5) Medical and Family Care Workers
For medical doctors, dentists, nurses, public health nurses and other workers engaged in medical or health center related work, the treatment and prevention of sickness, instruction on health issues and other areas related to protecting peoples' lives and health is their vocation. As the old age society continues to increase along with a change in the pathological structure that now centers on chronic disorder, people are now demanding more in the way of the quality of treatment. In terms of the way work is conducted, there is now more demand for conduct which is based on human rights consciousness and a high code of professional ethics as is seen in efforts made to protect the privacy of patients and their medical records as well as the thorough implementation of informed consent(full explanation to and consent from the patient).
To achieve this, Aichi Prefecture will encourage positive measures towards human rights education and enlightenment within medical and health care organizations. Simultaneously, we will promote the improvement of such education and development at schools and enlightenment institutions within these fields.

(6) Social Workers
All workers engaged in social welfare related work, including social welfare office workers, welfare and child commissioners, counselors for the physically-disabled and mentally-disabled, and home helpers, are all in positions in which they are directly involved in the care and consulting of elderly, disabled or children. As such, it is essential that workers possess a high code of professional ethics and awareness of human rights in terms of recognition of respect of individual privacy and human beings and performs the role of supporting people with social and economic handicaps in their self-expression and independence.
In order to improve and expand the recognition of human rights among social welfare workers, Aichi Prefecture will continue to work on the promotion and positive implementation of human rights education and enlightenment for social welfare work groups and to upgrade the human rights education and enlightenment conducted in schools and training institutions.

(7) Mass Media Workers
In modern society, television, radio, newspaper and other mass media have a strong influence on society and as such play a large social role.
For workers engaged in the mass media, we will provide appropriate information as well as for their voluntary participation in human rights education and development.

3 Dealing with Key Issues

1 Women

(1) Present Status of Women
Since its establishment, the United Nations has carried out numerous initiatives to improve the status of women In 1979, the 48th U.N. General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. With that to start out with, the United Nations has contributed greatly towards the establishment of women's human rights in the international community.
In our country, in response to measures initiated by the international community - inspired by the "1975 International Women's Year" (1975) - we have ratified the "Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women" (1985), made subsequent adjustments to our laws, and are also designing specific policies based upon the "Plan for Gender Equality 2000" drawn up in 1996.
Also, in 1999, the Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society was put into place, and national as well as regional bodies and citizens were given the responsibility of respecting the human rights of both men and women as the first of the five basic concepts stated in order to move towards a society of equal participation of both men and women.
In our prefecture, in 1976, we set up a Youth and Women's Affairs Division ( now called the Gender Equality Section, Social Activities Promotion Division, Department of Community and International Affairs) in our General Affairs Department, and in 1989, we devised the "Aichi Plan for Women" to support the women's movement. In 1997, in keeping with domestic and international trends, we created an "Aichi Plan for Gender Equality 2000" to promote collective and specific policies with regard to women in our prefecture. As this plan finished its term in the year 2000, we are now drawing up a new Aichi Prefectural Gender Equality Plan based on the "Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society".
Through the years, numerous initiatives have been undertaken in order to achieve equal rights for both men and women but there are many set ideas remaining in society regarding the different responsibilities and roles of men and women. There are still many issues to work through before male and female equality becomes a reality in regional areas, homes and work places, especially for those women in exceptional circumstances, older women, women with disabilities, women from Dowa districts - where discrimination is ingrained in their history - and foreign women. The results of a survey against 599 prefectural government residents (hereafter the Prefectural Government Monitoring Survey) conducted in June 2000 showed that women's human rights are not respected, and some of the many points raised included discrimination in the work place - such as employment, promotions and wages etc. - and set ideas about the roles and responsibilities of both men and women - men are to work and women are to look after the home - and the pressure to adhere to those roles.
Also, stricter measures have to be taken in dealing with the very serious issue of instances of abuse against women, such as domestic violence ( DV: violence towards women by men with whom they have close relationships, such as husbands and partners ) as it is a serious violation of their human rights. It is necessary to continue to promote existing policies with equal participation of men and women in planning to create even more robust policies to prevent violation of women's human rights.

(2) Policy Directions
"The Plan for Gender Equality 2001" is to be based on the Basic Law for a Gender-equal Society. Both sexes are to be equal constituents of society and of their own volition, are assured to have every possible opportunity to participate in different spheres of society. We are aiming for an equal participation society where all can enjoy political, economic, social and cultural benefits equally, while also jointly shouldering the responsibilities involved.

1 Promoting a Society of Equal Participation of Men and Women
For equal participation of both men and women in society to become a reality, we must change people's consciousness and re-examine customary practices in the home, school, region and workplace from a gender sensitive perspective (with gender referring to social and culturally-determined differences in sexes.) We will also work towards promoting empowerment, (giving women their own power) establishing partnership (equal cooperation, cooperative relationships), and developing positive action (agressive reform measures) Since the recognition and formation of values about respect for human rights and equality of men and women are shaped during a child's development, we will make even greater efforts, at different stages of development, to educate about equal participation of men and women. We hope to foster attitudes and ideas whereby both sexes acknowledge each other's traits and strengths, in order to understand each other deeply and work together with respect.

2 Eliminating Violence against Women
Acts of violence against women not only deprive the victims of their basic human rights and impinge upon their freedom but also have serious psychological, physical and social effects. We will strive to eliminate abuse and create a society where violence against women is not tolerated.
Acts such as domestic violence, sex crimes, prostitution, sexual harassment (words and actions of a sexual nature against the other person's will) and stalking are all violations of human rights and require severe measures. We are working towards the creation of an environment that can prevent violence against women by fostering informed public opinion and a robust counseling system.
Furthermore, women who have been abused will have the protection of their privacy and the utmost consideration will be given for their feelings. We will work towards stopping the abuse from being hidden and helping the abused so that their human rights are fully protected. Police questioning regarding events related to the abuse will be done under strict supervision, and upon the request of the victim, will be handled by a policewoman. We will work towards enlightenment staff that can handle questioning and counseling for the victims.

3 Respecting Women's Human Rights in the Media
All forms of media including the Internet affect the shaping of people's minds. We will aim towards eliminating anything that may foster violence against women and encourage their treatment as purely sexual objects. We respect women's right to free speech and their human rights. Approaches will be made to all forms of media such as advertising, publications and public institutions to take up a gender sensitive perspective, and stand and fight against crimes that may hurt women's dignity.

4 Making women's right to make decisions concerning sex and reproduction known to all
To help maintain women's health throughout their life, we will work to make it known among the people of our prefecture that women have the right to make decisions that affect their physical well-being and to enjoy good health (Reproductive Health / Rights).

5 Achieving gender equality in the workplace
In order that people are able to participate equally in the workplace we need to create an environment where both men and women are able to balance the demands of work and the home. In the area of employment, there have been many instances of women not receiving equal treatment to men. This has led to the revision of such laws as "The Equal Opportunity Employment Law", "The Maternity- Leave Law", and the "Labor Standards Law". As well as guaranteeing equal opportunities to men and women, we have made adjustments to employment conditions and environment to allow people to balance the needs of both work and home. On the basis of these law changes, we hope that working-women are not discriminated against because of their gender, and are able to display their abilities to the fullest. We hope that not only women, but that men also shoulder family responsibilities, and help achieve the balance between work and home commitments. We will adopt measures to promote a social environment that enables women to have a child free from any fear or pressure.
In addition to the above measures, to enable people to participate in society's activities, such as being employed as well as raising children, we will work to create efficient childcare centers and other forms of childcare facilities.
As women account for about a sixth of the agricultural working population, women are making major contributions to the community not only by running the farm households, but also by managing the farm, by maintaining and supporting the life and activities in the farming village community. But as women are traditionally given a lower status in the area of farm management in an agricultural society, we still cannot say that women are able to fully demonstrate their capabilities. Our main goal is to achieve equal participation of both men and women in creating a prosperous agricultural and fishing communities, as stated in the 'Aichi Prefectural Plan for Rural Women'. We will work towards enabling women to express their true ability and to improve their status in the areas of agriculture, forestry and fishing.

6 Promoting Participation in Society
To achieve a society with equal participation of both men and women, it is necessary for women, by their own volition, to participate in all areas of public life, and be involved in policy-making processes, decisions, and courses of actions. Therefore, as well as increasing the number of women in prefectural review conferences, we will promote the participation of both men and women as equal constituents in regional, professional livelihood, and educational activities. We will also encourage the appointment of women to the positions of responsibility which would involve them in the city, town, and village as well as business enterprises and groups.

2 Children

(1) Present Situation and Issues
The children who will shoulder the 21st century are irreplaceable. What is more they have unlimited potential. Everyone in the world hopes equally that these children will be born in good health, and grow up strong with considerate hearts.
At the League of Nations in 1924 the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of Children was adopted, and furthermore, at the United Nations in November 1959, the Declaration of Children's Rights was adopted, and the need to give children special protection was made clear. Further to this, in 1989 the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted, meaning that children came to be treated as not only the object of protection but actively as an independent entity who may exercise their own rights.
In Japan as well, under the auspices of the Constitution of Japan, in 1947 the Child Welfare Law, and in 1951 the Child's Charter were determined and likewise laid down, and with these the fundamental system of law to guarantee the rights of children were provided. Based on its significance, a ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was carried out in May 1994.
Nevertheless, the environment surrounding children and child raising in recent years has seen large scale change, such as a drop in the birth rate, the tendency towards nuclear families and urbanization, and the diversification of lifestyles. Moreover, a great number of problems have arisen in raising children, such as the increase in bullying, the more increasingly brutal nature of juvenile delinquency, the increases in child abuse, the commercialization of sex, and the tendency toward younger age of drug abuse. In the response to prefectural government monitoring survey, there are aspects where it is thought that the human rights of children are not being given serious attention or respect. Many examples can be given, such as the fact that the overall personality of a child is assessed only by their school results in society, violence toward and abuse of children (including physical, sexual, and psychological forms of abuse) by adults including parents, and injury from bullying and violence.
Consequently, in Aichi Prefecture we formulated the Aichi Eight Year Welfare Strategy (Ai-furu Plan or-Love Full Plan) in July of 1993, and in it the planning for a society friendly to children and child raising is given as an objective of child welfare measures, and in accordance with this, such policies as the healthy rearing of children, support of child raising, and measures for children in need of care, have been promoted. Continuing on in the future, there is a need to accurately respond to changes in the social environment that surrounds children and child raising, with children growing up in good health, and a need to comprehensively promote initiatives for the creation of an environment with a bright outlook concerning child raising.

(2) Policy Direction
Based on basic principles such as the Children's Charter and the the Convention on the Rights of the Child, all of the environments surrounding children such as family, school, and region must make efforts toward the healthy growth and development of children. From this viewpoint, we will strive to promote comprehensive policies, and aim to build a society where the children who will bear the burden of the coming age will grow up healthy and strong.

1 Popular Education of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the United Nations in 1989, respects children's rights and freedom as human beings, and aims for expedite care and aid for children.
Whilst recognizing the purpose of the convention, and taking into consideration the human rights of infant and child students in schools, and striving for education and school administration that takes good care of each and every child, along with this we will strive to substantiate the spirit of respect for basic human rights through guidance responding to the developmental stages of children.
Furthermore, we will strive to enlighten guardians and local residents, working with Parent Teacher Associations and other like groups.
Moreover, in order to make the principles of child welfare common knowledge, we will strive to enlighten the general public of Aichi as well as other related agencies and municipalities, through campaigns and other drives, such as in Child Welfare Week (one week centering around 5th May every year) carried out nationwide. Regarding the gist of the convention, we will further educate the younger generation as well.

2 Bullying
Bullying is a serious problem affecting the human rights of child students. In order to prevent this problem, from infancy the nurturing of a wealth of humanity, such as a spirit of respect for life, compassion for others, a social nature, moral views, a sense of justice, and a spirit of being touched by nature and beautiful things are all necessary. Furthermore, it is absolutely vital that efforts are made for the improvement in the awareness of human rights according to the developmental stage of juvenile students.
Along with implementing a form of education that makes the most of the cherished personality of each and every juvenile pupil, we will carry out practical education through hands on activities, group and other activities, and strive for the nurturing of sociality, such as in acquiring an attitude of respect for other's human rights along with a child's own human rights, for each and every child.
Moreover, in order to cope with such problems as bullying, truancy and maladjustment to one's social environment, we will strive to substantiate consultation activities for children and guardians by placing school counselors and mental health care advisors at their disposal.
Furthermore, as a response to this type of bullying and other problems, along with dealing with the solution systematically in schools, we will strive to strengthen even more ties and cooperation with guardians and the people of the local region.

3 Child Abuse
Child abuse is, both for the child victims of that abuse , and for the parents who abuse their children, something which leaves behind deep emotional scars , and it is essential to strive to prevent its occurrence throughout society.
As child abuse often happens behind the closed doors of the home, it has aspects of not becoming apparent, however also in order that these cases do not end in tragedy, early detection and preemptive moves are important. Moreover, these measures do not just end when children leave care, but it is also important to carry out mental health care for children and parents after a child has been placed in care, up to and including the repair and restoration of the parent-child relationship.
Accordingly, along with strengthening the network between a variety of related agencies including child guidance centers which are forefront specialist agencies in the local regions and private volunteer groups too, we will strive to substantiate the framework of consultation in child guidance centers.
Moreover, as the Child Abuse Prevention Law was brought into effect on 17th May 2000, through legal backing, an atmosphere, where the understanding of citizens is facilitated, has been achieved, and we will work hard to provide more suitable ways to prevent child abuse.

4 Sound Nurturing of the Younger Generation
It is the wish of all residents of Aichi Prefecture that the youths, who will shoulder the next generation, will foster abundant sociality and superb creativity, and grow as human beings who can cope with the development of the age.
However, the environment surrounding youths has drastically changed, and the youths themselves, are in a set of circumstances where they have scarce awareness of their roles in society as well as living experiences. What is sought from the younger generation is a self-awareness of their roles and responsibilities as members of society, and an attitude of compassion towards others, of holding respect for life, and living together in harmony with people of various situations and perspectives.
Therefore, it is necessary that youth interact with a diverse range of people, and accumulate real experience such as nature-based experience and social experiences including coming into contact with an abundance of nature. So as to facilitate an array of experiential activities in local society, we will support these activities, working with local municipalities, and related agencies and groups.
Furthermore, along with dealing with crimes that damage the welfare of children, such as child prostitution and child pornography, in order to prevent juvenile delinquency, we will strive to clean up the harmful environment surrounding the younger generation.

5 Measures for Youth Victims
Children are hurt mentally by various problems including bullying, truancy, and child abuse. So as to deal with problems such as these, we will not only crack down on these crimes but also carry out counseling and other activities for youths who are the victims of such crimes, and thus strive for the establishment of consultation and support infrastructures.

6 Substantiation of Pre-School Education
Due to the declining birthrate in homes in recent years, opportunities for children to meet each other have decreased, of course influencing the children themselves by making it harder to breed independence and sociality. Furthermore, young mothers have the anxiety of child rearing to deal with due to the tendency towards nuclear families. With these circumstances, it is thought that there are many cases of inappropriate child-rearing and even serious abuse.
Consequently, pre-schools and their guidelines support functions such as consultation and advice for child-rearing families in the community. Pre-schools also give due consideration to children's human rights, thus a form of pre-school that fosters a spirit of values human rights is required.To that end, we will strive for the even greater substantiation of the content of childcare in pre-school centers in accordance with pre-school guidelines.
Moreover, in order to establish systems where consultation is readily welcome, information and support regarding the problems of child rearing and any necessary support is available, along with substantiating diverse support measures for child rearing in the community, we will support independent and autonomous activities in the community through NPOs (non profit organizations), mothers'clubs, child rearing circles, and other groups. Above all, this purpose is to stimulate the activation of interchange between residents of the local area regarding child rearing.

3 The Elderly

(1) Present Situation and Issues
Japan is at present the nation with the longest life expectancy in the world, and with an average life expectancy of 80 years, we are facing a high old-aged society at the beginning of the 21st century, where one in four will be aged 65 or over. Aichi Prefecture's ratio of population aging (the ratio of people 65 years of age and over against the total population) is 2.9 % lower than the national average, and although said to be a prefecture with a comparatively young population, it is anticipated that in the future the aging of the population will advance rapidly through such factors as the aging of those generations that have transferred across in age from the period of high economic growth.
With the progress of the aging society, it is anticipated that in the future there will be a rapid growth in the number of senior citizens who require nursing care as they are bedridden or suffer from dementia. For the society as a whole to supports this care which has become the biggest factor in anxiety for life in old age, the Long-term care insurance was adopted in April 2000.
Furthermore, along with the increase in the average life span, there is an increasing number of senior citizens who are active in aiming to be employed throughout their lives, and it is an issue more important than anything else, of building a society for senior citizens where they can live without anxiety, and have purpose in their lives with healthy bodies through what has become an extended period spent at an advanced age. In the prefectural government monitoring survey, it was pointed out that the human rights of the elderly are not being fully respected, shown in the fact that even if a senior citizen wishes to work there are few opportunities to do so, that the elderly are treated as a nuisance, and shunned, and that services such as health and medical care, as well as welfare are unsatisfactory.
In Aichi prefecture, along with reviewing the Aichi Prefectural Health and Welfare Plan for the Elderly, which was decided upon in March 1994, the prefecture formulated the Aichi Prefectural Plan on Supporting Long-term care insurance Project and Health and Welfare for the Elderly, in conjunction with the Aichi Prefectural Long-term care insurance Project Support Plan in March 2000. With this plan and with the year 2004 as a goal, we will comprehensively promote health and welfare policy for senior citizens in the 21st century under a health and welfare system that supports the independence of self-expression of senior citizens a basic principle.

(2) Policy Direction
We will strive to realize a society that shows respect to its elderly-people who have been living in the community for a long time and allows them to lead independent lives that are free of concern. Such a society will also provide its senior members with the capacity to actively participate in social/community activities. Such participation will offer the aged society the opportunity to optimize its knowledge and experience as important members of the community.

1 Promotion of Independence and Societal Participation Activities
So that senior citizens may lead their lives in their own usual way with dignity and purpose, it is essential that a society be created where diverse lifestyles can be selected according to their abilities and values.
We will support the elderly so that they may be active socially in a variety of ways such as working, enjoying, and contributing to the local community as the second most active generation.
In order to promote the creation of a purpose in life and participation in society for senior citizens, we will support such activities as learning, community cultivation volunteering, and clubs for the elderly.
Furthermore, so as to make the community one where senior citizens and other generations may mutually deepen understanding and have respect for each other, we will promote enlightenment activities for the people of the prefecture, and promote inter-generational exchange in the community.

2 Comprehensive Health and Welfare Service
Along with making it possible for senior citizens to lead dignified independent lives based on their own will even after they have come to require care, there is a need to further the establishment of an environment where support for the family conducting the care can be achieved.
Consequently, along with striving for the smooth implementation of the Long-term care insurance, we will further the preparation of infrastructure covering both aspects of quantity and quality of service, so that the necessary nursing-care services can be used comprehensively without interruption, and extending over health care, medical care and welfare.
So that the Long-term care insurance will establish itself as an mechanism that is user-oriented, apart from furthering the structural formation for the appropriate handling of complaints and consultation from users, and so as to protect the rights of senior citizens suffering from dementia, we will promote the utilization of adult guardianship systems and projects to protect welfare rights in the community.
Furthermore, we will enhance health and fitness programs to help prevent the need for nursing-care so that senior citizens may, as much as possible, lead healthy active lives without coming to need care.

3 Securing Opportunities for Employment and Work
Senior citizens' participation in a variety of local community activities and productive activities according to ability and volition is exceedingly important in realizing an independent and purposeful lifestyle.
So as to realize a society where senior citizens many remain active in the workforce until the age of 65, putting to practical use their knowledge, experience and other expertise accumulated over many years, we will promote education so as to secure diverse employment and work opportunities, and the promotion of re-employment and the securing of employment until the age of 65, through continuing employment and other methods.
Furthermore, senior citizens play an important role in farming and fishing areas. According to the national census, the percentage of those over the age of 60 who work in agriculture reaches approximately 60 per cent, and compared to urban areas, it is said that the aging of the population is 20 years further advanced.
To that end, in Aichi Prefecture, we formulated the Aichi Prefectural Vision for Rural Elderly in March 1997, oriented towards the creation of agricultural and fishing areas that are flexible and have drive, and along with senior citizens fulfilling a regular role participation in agriculture, forestry and fisheries as well as communal activity, it is something to enjoy and gives a purpose in life as people active in the workforce for a lifetime. To that end, we will in future continue to support senior citizens so that they are able to make full use of their abilities.

4 The creation of a senior citizen-friendly town
So as to promote the building of local community where all people, from senior citizens down, can participate actively in the community, and lead safe and what is more, comfortable lives as members of their local community, Aichi will promote town creation that is people-friendly by making structures barrier free (the removal of steps and other obstacles that may impede the elderly and those with disabilities in their lives out in the community) as well as ease of access in other ways.

4 The Disabled

(1) Present Situation and Issues
The United Nations declared 1981 to be the International Year of the Disabled Persons on the themes of total participation and equality.Moreover, there were other efforts made, including the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, which positively tackled various issues.
Japan as well, revised the Mentally and Physically Handicapped Persons' Fundamental Law into Disabled Persons' Fundamental Law in 1993, and as its basic guiding principle, aims for the complete participation and equality of people with disabilities, declaring the right to guaranteed enjoyment of opportunities to participate in their own independence and society, the economy, culture and in all other fields, and guarantees treatment appropriate to this dignity.Accordingly, in 1995 the Disabled Persons Plan (Seven Year Strategy for Normalization) was formulated.
Furthermore, commemorating the International Year of the Disabled Persons, along with further deepening of understanding and awareness by the nation's people regarding issues for people with disabilities, and so as to strive for an increase in welfare for the disabled, we are promoting a variety of initiatives including the establishment of 9th December as Disabled Person's Day.
However, with societal misunderstanding, prejudice and other stigma regarding the physically disabled, people with mental disabilities, people with mental disorders, and other people with disabilities, the level of understanding and awareness is indeed unsatisfactory. Also, there are many cases of adversity for people with disabilities returning to the community, and their gaining independence. Other areas such cases occur are in their participation in the community as well as occurrences of human rights issues such as discrimination and abuse.
From the prefectural government monitoring survey, many examples of issues where it is thought the human rights of people with disabilities are not being respected can be heard. They include,'receiving unfavorable treatment when taking a job, in work duties, and in working conditions', 'the inconvenience of using public transport, roads, shops, parks and other public areas', as well as 'being stared at and being specifically avoided'.
We aim for an enriched community where both those with disabilities and those without can live together through mutual understanding and cooperation.

(2) Policy Direction
People with disabilities also, in the same way as other constituent members of society, must have their total participation and equality in society established as responsible individuals.
We will aim for the total participation and equality of the disabled under the principle of rehabilitation that aims for the restoration of rights of all human beings in all phases for the various stages of life of the disabled, and the principle of normalization which aims for a society where people with disabilities can make a living and take an active role in the same way as people without disabilities.

1 Encouragement of Independence and Promotion of Communal Participation Activities
We will further the realization of total participation and equality for the disabled, and activities toward the removal of discrimination and prejudice against the disabled as well as for preventing the occurrence of human rights violations against the disabled. Further promoting the independence and community participation of the disabled, we will promote education and publicity work for the realization of the principles of rehabilitation and normalization.
So as to stimulate understanding and awareness of people with disabilities, we will promote interactive education and volunteer activities in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, as well as in the community.
Furthermore, as sports for the disabled are effective for maintaining and enhancing the physical fitness of people, improving the capacity to retain fitness and in enhancing the understanding of the disabled, we will strive for the promotion of community participation activities including sports for the disabled as well as other physical activities.

2 A Comprehensive Welfare Service
As it is often the case that people with disabilities require some form of welfare service, we will carry out comprehensive policies for the support and encouraging of independence for the disabled, through tying up with involved parties to enable the use of welfare services that meet the needs of that particular person.
We will substantiate consultation systems that provide relief from human rights violations including discrimination, abuse, or violent treatment to the disabled.
Furthermore, to protect the rights of the disabled, we will promote the application of adult guardianship systems and projects to protect welfare rights in the community.

3 Substantiation of Education for Children and Adults with Disabilities
In order that the disabled may overcome adversity, actively participate in society, and be independent, suitable education is required. We will make it so that primary and fundamental knowledge and skills for future independence and participation in the community can be learned through careful guidance corresponding to the state and degree of the disability.
In all schools we will strive for the improvement and substantiation of educational content and methods according to the ability and aptitude of children who have disabilities and the condition of the disability.
Furthermore, we will make the utmost efforts to provide the proper guidance for school attendance respecting the intentions of guardians, and we will make it so that an appropriate education can be received that accommodates the needs of each and every child.

4 The creation of town friendly to the disabled
We will aim for town creation that is people-friendly, where all people, including those with disabilities, can lead independent secure lives and actively participate in the community.
So that the disabled can actively participate in the community, efforts will be made to influence increasing more barrier-free oriented planning by adjusting sidewalks, public transportation facilities and various other facilities into a integrated form, along with other initiatives.

5 Encouragement of occupational independence
In order that participation in the community can be achieved through holding a job, it is important to give due consideration to the volition of the disabled to work, as well as to encourage employment that accommodates their aptitude and ability, and to strive for stability in work once commenced.
To guarantee a place for employment, we will endeavor to encourage employment for the disabled and the development and improvement of vocational ability, including the attainment of discernible employment rates for the disabled and the acquisition of skills in public vocational training facilities.
Furthermore, we will also promote the employment of the disabled in local governments.

5 The Dowa Issue

(1) Present Situation and Issues
The issue of Dowa is a problem relating to the universal tenets of mankind, human freedom and equality, and is a serious social problem affecting basic human rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Japan.
The report released in 1965 by the nation's Dowa affairs council makes clear the true nature of the Dowa issues, stating that, "Due to discrimination based on the system of social strata formed in the course of the historical development of Japanese society, a group forming a part of the Japanese nation has been placed in an economically, socially, and culturally inferior situation, and even in contemporary society this is a most serious and grave social problem, with even more striking violations of basic human rights, especially the fact that civil rights and freedoms guaranteed to all people as a principle tenet of modern society are not being totally guaranteed." The report further stated that the immediate solution to the problems regarding Dowa is the duty obligation of the government, and as it indicated recognition that, at the same time this was an issue of national concern, and that measures for Dowa must take the form of comprehensive style containing but not confined to improvement of living environments, substantiation of social welfare, stability of industry and employment, improvement of education and cultural affairs, as well as the protection of basic human rights. As a result of this report, the Special Measures Law for the Dowa Countermeasures Project was enacted in July 1969, and in order to strive for the early resolution of this social integration problem, from the improvement of living conditions to educational projects, a broad range of projects for steps toward Dowa policy was promoted.
As a replacement for the Special Measures Law for the Dowa Countermeasures Project , in April 1982 the Special Measures Law for the Policy of Regional Improvement came into effect, and in April 1987, as the final special law for the smooth transition from regional improvement policy to general policy, Law Regarding the Special Fiscal Measures of the Government for Regional Improvement (hereunder referred to as the Special Fiscal Measures Law for Regional Improvement) came into effect, with comprehensive projects being implemented.
Subsequently, as a result of the opinion report from the Council on the Policy of Regional Improvement, entitled 'Concerning the Basic State of Future Policy Towards Early Resolution of Dowa Issues', released in May of 1996, a partial amendment of the Special Fiscal Measures Law for Regional Improvement took place in March 1997, and as an interim measure for the smooth transition to general policy of Dowa affairs policy, special policy projects were to be limited and it has been decided that they will be extended for another five years.Accompanying this revision, various enlightenment projects and educationally linked projects that had been carried out until then as special policy projects for removing discrimination in the past, was progressively reconfigured as human rights education and human rights enlightenment projects for respecting the basic human rights of all people, and the Dowa issue has come to be confronted as a part of an important issue of these projects. However, the opinion report of the above Council also states that, 'It goes without saying that the transition to general policy does not mean the abandoning of initiatives aimed at the early solution of Dowa issues.After the transition to general policy, even more so than in the past, the government should steadfastly face up to the goal of respect for basic human rights, and whilst recognizing the fact that some part of society is lagging behind into perspective, an endeavor to grasp accurately the necessity for regional circumstances and projects, and a responsible stance in taking the initiative in implementing policy is required.'
Furthermore, in July 1999, based on the Law of Measures for the Protection of Human Rights (enacted December 1996), established under the same opinion report from the Council on the Policy of Regional Improvement, the Council for the Promotion of Protection of Human Rights released a report entitled 'Concerning Basic Matters connected with the Comprehensive Promotion of Policies relating to Education and Enlightenment Process to Deepen the Nation's Mutual Understanding of the Principle of Respect for Human Rights'. In the report, along with the existence of various human rights problems including the Dowa issue being brought to light, proposals were put forth regarding various policies for the comprehensive and effective promotion of human rights education and informatory processes, as well as the role and coordination of the main bodies for implementing enlightenment processes.
Until now, Aichi Prefecture has made dedicated efforts to the promotion of countermeasures projects regarding Dowa affairs. Consequently, as for physical infrastructure improvement that includes the improvement of living conditions, it is looking at considerable achievements, However, according to a survey on the understanding and other aspects of the actual conditions of Dowa areas carried out in 1993 by the Management and Coordination Agency, there still remains a disparity in the facets of education, employment, industry, and in other areas. Furthermore, in the prefectural government monitoring survey, discriminatory problems at times of marriage and getting employment are apparent as in the past, with consciousness of segregation still occurring. For example, to the hypothetical-question,'If you found out that someone you intimately knew on a day-to-day basis was in fact a person from a Dowa district, what would you do?', people who answered 'I would associate with them superficially but avoid any real association as much as possible' counted for 14.7 percent of respondents. Similarly, in the same survey the percentage of people who responded to the hypothetical question, 'If you had a child and you found out that he or she was going to marry a person from a Dowa, how would you react?', those who answered 'I would respect the will of my child. Parents should not interfere' stood at 52.7 percent, while people who answered 'As a parent I would oppose it, but if my child's will is strong it would be unavoidable. I would be obliged to consent' came to 35.6 per cent, people answering that 'If family members or relatives were opposed, I would not allow the marriage,' stood at 7.5 per cent, and those responding 'I would never allow the marriage' came to 3.2 per cent. Moreover, the problem of posting and circulating discriminatory information via media such as the Internet has newly presented itself.
From circumstances such as these, education and enlightenment activities in preparation for the removal of conscious discrimination are an important issue that must be actively furthered.

(2) Policy Direction
May 1996 opinion report of the Council on the Policy of Regional Improvement calls for the substantiation and strengthening of accommodating promotion of education and enlightenment towards removal of conscious discrimination that exists as it used to, as well as accommodating relief and other forms of aid for suffering caused by human rights violations. As regards to education and enlightenment that strives for the eradication of discrimination, the report proposes progressive restructuring as a form of human rights informatory process so as to respect basic human rights of all people, in keeping with evaluation of the achievements and methods built up within Dowa education and enlightenment activities, and of these, that the Dowa issue should be held up as a major pillar of human rights issues.
Whilst based on such national trends, and being fully aware of the actual conditions and inherent circumstances pertaining to Dowa issues in the future, Aichi Prefecture will actively promote the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education and other initiatives based on the international trend of the times regarding human rights and based on these initiatives.
Furthermore, we will promote comprehensive policies for the solution of issues involving education, employment, industry, and living conditions.

1 Promotion of Enlightenment
Along with actively embracing ingeniously designed content and technique that would allow the achievement of interest, concern, and sympathy from a wide section of the prefecture, we will promote the creation of an environment where residents of the prefecture will find it easy to participate in enlightenment activities, training, and other initiatives.
Furthermore, in order to convey the importance of the principle of respect for human rights to a great number of the residents of the prefecture, and to effectively promote the informatory process regarding human rights, we will additionally strive for the active use of mass media including television, radio, and the fourth estate.

2 Promotion of Dowa Education
In order that Dowa education be promoted in schools, it is important that supervising teachers strive for improvement of qualifications, and refine their sensitivity and acquire a rich sense of human rights. Accordingly, we will implement planned, systematic training of teaching staff, and strive for the enhancement of consciousness and to improve qualification.
Furthermore, at schools in the prefecture, based on 'Basic Policy on Dowa Education' drawn by the Aichi Prefecture Board of Education, and in line with the developmental stage of child pupils and the actual conditions of the community, we will seek encouragement of a pragmatic attitude founded on respect for basic human rights and a true understanding of Dowa issues, and endeavor for the nurture of child pupils who will acquire volition and practical ability to realize a genial society without discrimination or prejudice.

3 Promotion of mutual liaison and cooperation among main educational and enlightenment bodies
Enlightenment activities are something that will take an effect by being implemented through various opportunities throughout the lives of all citizens in the prefecture. Furthermore, thorough mutual ties with the main education and enlightenment bodies, such as the national government, municipalities, schools, community educational organizations, neighborhood houses, the Human Rights Protection Joint Commission, private organizations such as the Center for Human Rights Affairs, as well as industrial firms and other business institutions, and the media will be utilized leading to promotion of networking for informatory activities on human rights.
Additionally, through All Japan Council on Dowa Affairs, we will promote cross-organizational ties and cooperation with other prefectures and administrative areas.

4 Promoting the nurture of enlightenment instructors
In order to nurture human resources to act as the key to enlightenment networks in each of the municipalities and in the community, we will promote education and in-service training of instructors.

5 Promotion of neighborhood house activities
Neighborhood houses, through initiatives and other activities, act as open community centers that are bases for exchange between residents on the human rights enlightenment process in the overall local community. They are achieving results in striving to propagate and enhance consciousness of respect for human rights, continuing in the future, while liaising with autonomous municipal organizations in the regions and with organizations connected with cultural, welfare, human rights and other activities.

6 Elimination of false Dowa practices
False Dowa practices which seek unfair profit and a lack of liability for establishments such as corporate enterprise, schools, religious groups and other bodies under the pretext of Dowa issues, has become a major problem. They dash the results of enlightenment activities geared to the removal of conscious discrimination linked to social integration issues, and implant misguided perceptions of Dowa problems. Being primary causes of impediment in finding solutions to Dowa problem, Eliminating themis is a pressing issue.
In order to carry out this elimination, along with further substantiating initiatives of the liaison committee composed of the Nagoya Regional Legal Affairs Bureau, the Prefectural Police Headquarters, the Nagoya Bar Association, Nagoya City, and Aichi Prefecture, further promotion of consultations and enlightenment practices will be undertaken.

6 Foreigners

(1) Present Situation and Issues
Today, there is a remarkable level of progress and spread in the trend toward a more cosmopolitan society. Hand in hand with advance of computerization, people and things are intensely mobile and are crossing national boundaries as has never been seen in the past. In Aichi Prefecture as well, the number of overseas visitors and foreigners living in the prefecture in increasing.
As regards Nagoya Airport, from roughly the period after 1985, overseas airlines began flying into the port in rapid succession, with points of operation and numbers of flights increasing significantly due to the importance of the region spreading internationally and other factors. Along with this, the number of foreign nationals entering the country through Nagoya airport also increased rapidly, and in 1999 this number reached 288,000, a figure approximately 17.6 times greater than the same figure 14 years earlier in 1985.
Furthermore, the number of foreigners officially registered in the prefecture at the end of 1999 stood at 127,537, roughly twice the figure for the year 1985, which was 61,568, and demonstrates a growth exceeding the national average. Aichi Prefecture's distinguishing characteristic in this area is the fact that there have been many foreign-born Japanese descendents arriving to seek places of work offered by the manufacturing industry that boasts the largest concentration of shipment values for manufactured goods in Japan, continuously since 1977. As of the end of December 1999, Brazilian nationals (most of whom are reckoned to be of Japanese descent) numbered 41,241, which represent 18.4 per cent of the nation's total, and when compared to the figures for all other prefectures in Japan, this is the highest in the country.
Of the officially registered foreigners, the number of overseas students attending universities and other educational institutions in the prefecture was 2,833 in 1999, roughly twice the figure for 1990.
Accompanying this increase in the number of foreigners, differences in language, culture, customs and values, misunderstandings and other mistaken notions have given rise to friction with neighboring residents and have resulted in forms of human rights issues such as discrimination and prejudice toward foreign nationals due to insufficient mutual understanding.In the prefectural government monitoring survey, as expected, many points where the human rights of foreigners are not being given due attention can be given, such as 'acceptance by the local community is not sufficient', ethe receiving of adverse treatment in finding employment, work content and conditions', and 'insufficient access to information necessary for living including health and medical care, disaster prevention, and education'.
Furthermore, there are also a large number of special permanent residents living in Aichi Prefecture including those with South Korean and Korean nationality who also possess in their backgrounds historical context from since before the war. For most of the present special permanent residents, despite being born and raised in Japan, incomprehension, discrimination and prejudice towards these people still persists.
In these circumstances, mutual respect for all people as equal human beings irrespective of their nationality or ethnic identity, recognizing and accepting each other's dissimilar cultures and perspectives, and how to cultivate a sense of living together as people of the earth are all key issues.
In 1995, Japan ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,which set down the abolition of all forms of discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic identity and other delineations.
Consequently, in Aichi Prefecture, we aim for the removal of discrimination based on the fact that someone is a foreign national, and there is a need to endeavor to create an open society that takes in foreign nationals who live in the prefecture and those who visit the prefecture as equal members of the community.

(2) Policy Direction
In Aichi Prefecture, as a comprehensive indication promoting internationalization in the whole of the region, the Aichi Prefecture's Guideline for Internationalization was formulated in March 1997. Based on this guideline,and again as well as grounded on the basic principles of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,along with encouraging the international understanding of the people of the prefecture, through promoting such things as foreign language instruction in school education, substantiation of education for international understanding, and support of private international exchange and cooperation activities, we will work for the symbiosis of peoples who stem from cultural backgrounds and ways of thinking.
Moreover, we will confront the issue of comprehensive support for living and activities, reflecting as much as possible the voice of foreigners, understanding the culture and customs of the various foreign peoples.

1 Encouragement of international understanding among the residents of the prefecture
Symposia linked to internationalization, lectures and other courses for the purpose of international understanding are being conducted in various locations around the prefecture, and we will work for their continuing implementation and support, and endeavor to provide opportunities for international understanding that facilitate the participation of the residents of the prefecture.
In particular, we will actively endeavor to provide opportunities for internal understanding for the young generation of elementary and junior high school pupils who will shoulder the destiny of the international community in the 21st century.

2 Foreign language teaching and instruction on international understanding in school education
Addressing the advance of internationalization, and along with understanding and respecting the lifestyle and culture of peoples from various foreign countries, there is a need to attach importance to nurturing an attitude of prizing the culture and traditions of Japan.Therefore, we will promote instruction on international understanding by inviting overseas language teachers and other individuals, and strive for the advancement of foreign language teaching in school education.

3 Substantiation of information services for foreign nationals and provision of consultation system
In addition to substantiating publications and other printed matter including lifestyle and tourism informational magazines, and outlines of the prefectural government, we will likewise approach multilingualism in the printing of this material.
Furthermore, we will continue to provide consultation services for resident foreign nationals including those of Japanese ancestry as well as implementing legal consultation carried out by legal specialists.

4 Establishment of an easy living environment for resident foreign nationals
As it is easy for resident foreign nationals to encounter various problems in carrying out their daily lives regarding health and medical care, disaster prevention and safety, education, housing and other areas due to cultural, custom and other differences, we will work hard to promote mutual understanding with resident foreigners and full mutual communication, and endeavor to facilitate the securing of suitable reciprocal support.

5 Promotion of employment measures
In order to prevent work related accidents for foreign nationals and to guarantee proper working conditions, we will produce pamphlets aimed at work-eligible foreign nationals, and thoroughly publicize to employers all aspects of the social security system including health insurance, labor insurance, and pension schemes. Furthermore,we will endeavor to guarantee work places where foreign nationals may work securely without cause for concern.

6 Improvement of the local community environment and urban infrastructure
So that resident and visiting foreign nationals may be able to work, study, and live at peace without anxiety, we will aim to promote town creation that is easy to understand and amiable to foreign nationals as well, by undertaking among other things the promotion of writing public signs in foreign languages and pictograms (illustrated notation) in locations used by large numbers of foreign nationals, such as in cultural and sports facilities, shopping complexes, tourist destinations, and accommodation facilities.

7 HIV sufferers, etc.

(1) Present Situation and Issues
As the routes of infection for HIV (the AIDS virus), the cause of AIDS, are limited, and as the virus is not highly virulent, it is possible to prevent infection by HIV by acting with proper knowledge of the virus. However, the number of people infected by HIV, as well as AIDS patients (hereunder collectively referred to as HIV sufferers) in Japan continues in an upward trend every year.
In recent years the treatment of the infectious disease HIV has made phenomenal advances, with it now possible to suppress the proliferation of the virus through the administration of anti-HIV drugs, and also possible to suppress development of the disease. However, for the present it is not yet possible to eradicate the virus once it has entered the body, and patients have to take medication for the rest of their lives. Consequently, as medical costs become a substantial burden, HIV sufferersother became subject to disability assessment as having immune function disabilities, and support structures were provided due to a partial amendment of the Enforcement Ordinance of the Welfare Law for People with Physical Disabilities, from 1st April 1998.
On the other hand, accompanying the implementation on 1st April 1999, of the Law concerning the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients Suffering Infectious Diseases (hereunder referred to as the Infectious Diseases Law), the Law concerning the Prevention of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome was repealed. Based on the fact that there was unjustified discrimination and prejudice against Hansen's disease sufferers and HIV sufferers in the past,the Infectious Diseases Law guarantees the provision of high quality, appropriate medical treatment whilst respecting the human rights of patients and other individuals with infectious diseases, and was enacted to comprehensively promote infectious disease measures, standing at the view point of corresponding to infectious diseases rapidly and precisely.
Regarding the implementation of policies concerning the prevention of the infectious disease HIV and the arresting of its spread, due to the provisions of the Infectious Diseases Law, in order to comprehensively promote the prevention of the infectious disease HIV, and based on the state prepared Guidelines for the Prevention of Specific Infectious Diseases related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (hereunder referred to as the Guidelines), we must confront the suppression of the expansion of HIV infection, liaising together with the national government, local public bodies, those involved in medical treatment, NGOs (non governmental organizations) and other entities, and tackle the provision and other aspects of good quality and appropriate medical treatment that respects the human rights of infected patients and other individuals.
AIDS is a disease caused by the virus known as HIV, and if one understands that it is only one of a number of other infectious diseases, it is hardly possible that HIV carriers and other individuals would become the target of discrimination and prejudice. Patients infected with HIV are people who by chance happened to have the virus called HIV, and if a person has a proper understanding of the routes of infection and virulence of HIV, they would have no resistance whatsoever to shaking hands with a person who has HIV. We must all bravely take note of this reality.
Furthermore, regarding Hansenfs disease (formerly known as leprosy), until the repealing of the Leprosy Prevention Law in April 1996, a policy centering on isolating patients for life was enforced.
Hansen's disease continued to spawn prejudice and discrimination from the mistaken impression of it being incurable, terrifying, a disease from which there is no return.As a matter of course for the patients themselves, even after the patient has been admitted to a nursing home, this continued a state where their family and other related individualsf daily lives continued to be affected in the local community, and this problem still remains. The key issue is how to spread correct understanding of the principle of realizing a society where the significance of repealing the Leprosy Prevention Law and human rights exist together.

(2) Policy Direction
The first of December is World AIDS Day as established by the World Health Organization (WHO).In Aichi Prefecture since 1993, a period of one week that includes 1st December has been established as the Aichi Prefecture AIDS Prevention Reinforcement Week with intensive campaigns informing people on prevention being implemented. However, as before, there has been no stopping the increase in HIV patients. In the increasingly internationalized society of today, one cannot put up national boundaries to infectious diseases that are passed from person to person; the only thing for it is that each person alone must protect himself or herself from the disease. Therefore, there is a need for the prefecture to continue performing the role of provider of correct information and knowledge. Especially, without the cooperation of related organizations it would be impossible to approach the groups set out for separate policy in the Guidelines, those being youths, foreign nationals, homosexuals, and workers and users of the sex entertainment industry, and as the cooperation of private vigilance from NGOs and other groups is necessary, we will strive for ties with these respective bodies.
Once proper knowledge of AIDS has become widespread, discrimination and prejudice should disappear naturally.In Aichi Prefecture we have been holding familiarization campaigns since 1997 to promote the red ribbon, the symbol of the abolition of discrimination and prejudice regarding AIDS. Accompanied with various continued activities for knowledge enlightenment, we will promote the red ribbon campaign.
On the other hand accepting that the problems of prejudice and discrimination regarding Hansen's disease is a serious aspect of history, and continuing through all possible opportunities, we will promote activities to disseminate information on correct knowledge of Hansen's disease. Furthermore, we will endeavor for the construction of a society were human rights can coexist, by deepening understanding through such things as visits to nursing homes, and exchanges with residents (former patients).

8 Various issues related to human rights

As key issues, we have taken up the issues of women, children, the elderly, the disabled, the Dowa issue, foreigners, and HIV sufferers, etc. However, there are a great variety of problems concerning human rights, and apart from those given here various problems are being argued. For instance, these include the plight of the Ainu peoples, victims of crime, those released from prison after serving their sentences, homosexuals, illegitimate children (children born out of wedlock), and the homeless.
Furthermore, due to the advance of the information-oriented society and other technology, new problems are arising in our immediate surroundings such as the posting of discriminatory information on Internet electronic notice boards and websites, the outflow of personal information, and violations of our privacy, initiatives to handle these are also necessary.
We will accurately correspond to changes in social affairs and these new problems, according to the purpose the action plan.

4 Promoting the Plan

The following points show the areas in which we give due consideration in the promotion of this plan.

(1) In order to comprehensively and effectively promote the action plan regarding human rights education and enlightenment, and to further strive for the enhancement of consciousness of respect for human rights among the people of the prefecture, we will promote a cross-agency framework centered on the Human Rights Promotion Headquarters. Regarding the implementation of the action plan, under the promotion headquarters we will strive for mutual, close-knit liaison and coordination with related departments and agencies and along with endeavoring to promote comprehensive and effective related policy, thoroughly based on the purpose of the action plan, related policy will be implemented in the related departments and agencies.

(2) With the trend of the times including the intricate diversification and computerization of society and a high-level of development, human rights issues have greatly diversified and new problems are emerging. We will endeavor to implement policies that meet the urges and needs of the time.

(3) In order to strive for the dissolution of various forms of conscious discrimination, and to heighten consciousness of the respect for human rights for all people, it is necessary that wide-ranging initiatives be promoted, with the role that the national government, municipalities, other official organizations, and private groups as well as other bodies will play being considerable. Having established ties with the main implementing bodies of the respective organizations, in various fields we will promote initiatives for realizing a society that respects human rights.
Furthermore, especially in the municipalities that are in a position close to residents, we hope they will introduce initiatives in line with the purpose of the action program.

(4) When necessity arises to alter the action plan due to changes in the social situation surrounding human rights, we will carry out such revisions.

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