November/1/2003 46th Convention on the Protection of Human Rights Adopts Four Resolutions

The 46th Convention on the Protection of Human Rights was held on 17 October 2003 in Ehime Prefecture. Having an attendance of over 1,300 people, the Convention adopted four resolutions by majority vote or unanimous consent. Special Reports 1.   Report on Judicial Reform 2.   Report on the "Advisory Panel on Reform of Punishment Practices" 3.   Report on the "Amendment" to the Fundamental Law of Education 4.   Developments and Future Tasks in the National Emergency Legislation Resolutions The Convention deliberated and adopted the following four resolutions: 1.   Resolution requesting to establish the right of crime victims and to provide comprehensive support for the establishment of such right The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) requests: -   that the Government establish the right for suspects to receive information and to seek remedy for damages and support; and -   that the Government enact the Fundamental Law on Crime Victims stipulating that the Government and local authorities shall be responsible for providing support to crime victims. 2.   Resolution requesting to frame a new chemicals policy The JFBA requests: -   that the Government enact the "Fundamental Law on Chemicals Policy (provisional title)"; and -   that the Government establish a system to conduct long-term health survey of the people who have exposed to chemicals and to provide medical and livelihood assistance for those who have already contracted. 3.   Resolution requesting to establish rules on research in advanced medical care and medical science fields involving human birth, fertilized eggs and embryos The JFBA requests: -   that the Government introduce a statutory provision stipulating the scope of permissible research in advanced medical care and medical science fields involving human birth, fertilized eggs and embryos; and -   that the Government establish an independent administrative agency that entails citizen participation so as to ensure that medical research is carried out properly. 4.   Resolution requesting transparentization of investigations through video and audio recording of entire investigation process The JFBA requests that the Government prepare legislation promptly in which video/audio recording of the entire process of suspect interrogations is required, and failure in recording denies the admissibility of written confessions or calls their voluntariness into doubt, and additionally, in order to achieve the transparentization of the entire interrogation process, the JFBA has determined to exert its utmost efforts.