Japan and the international bill of rights

Points of conflict between the operative law and social practices of Japan, and key UN human rights documents are examined. Differences are found to be more frequent and fundamental in terms of economic than political rights. The general response of the Japanese government to these differences has been a defense of prevailing practices. The positions taken by the government are at times at odds with those of significant segments of the Japanese public. Many of the most disadvantaged of the government’s opponents have turned to the UN for assistance in gaining recognition of their basic rights.