Summary
Ms. Patricia Flor, the EU ambassador to Japan, MP Masahiko Shibayama, and MP Banri Kaieda will have a meeting on November 26 at the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, in Minami-Azabu.
At this moment, child abduction by one parent in Japan is becoming a problem internationally. It is impossible for “left-behind parents” to meet with these children without agreement by the kidnapping parent. International marriages are also subject to this problem. Presently, Japanese authorities have received heavy criticism abroad because they are very reluctant to solve the problem.
Ambassador Patricia Flor, MP Masahiko Shibayama, and Banri Kaieda will discuss solutions. The EU and the Diet Member Union are to establish a close and collaborative relationship to resolve the issue.
Background
Japan still follows a single custody system after divorce, which leads to the children being separated from one parent. Single custody systems have disappeared long ago in developed Western countries.
However, in Japan, it is not illegal for one parent to abduct the children and to refuse access to the other parent. Despite being one of the G7 nations, Japan is significantly behind in protecting children’s rights.
Officially, Japan is legally subject to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. But in practice, Japan does not comply with its conditions, especially Article 9.
The United Nations, The United States of America, and the EU have been critical of Japan over this problem. This year, the Legislative Council has started to move on this issue, but it is far from certain whether it will solve it.
Children’s Rights Watch Japan requests the international media to report on the issue, and this meeting, across the world, in order to help save our children.
International Criticism
- The EU resolution (2020)
- The legislative recommendation for joint custody from the UN (2019)
- The U.S. recognized Japan did not comply with the Hague convention (2018)
Meeting Information
Date and time: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm on Friday, November 26, 2021
Venue: Europe House 4-6-28 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo JAPAN
Participants:
- Ambassador Patricia Flor: The EU ambassador to Japan
- MP Masahiko Shibayama: The president of the diet member union for joint custody
- MP Banri Kaieda: The vice speaker of the house of representatives
Supporting NGOs
- Children’s Rights Watch Japan
- Family Bonding Association
Notes
- Shooting is allowed before the meeting. You are not allowed to enter the room during the meeting.
- Interviews and shooting are allowed after the meeting.
- Please register before the meeting. You can register over the web application form below. It must be completed by 9:00 AM on Friday, November 26.
- Names of all interviewers, photographers, affiliation, a mobile phone number, number of cameras and video cameras must be registered.
Contact
- Children’s Rights Watch Japan
- Email: info(at)crwj.org
- URL: https://crwj.org/