On 1 April 2016 , a new Japanese law came into effect, banning “unjust discrimination” against people with disabilities, and requiring government agencies and private sector businesses to make “reasonable adjustments” to remove social barriers for the nation’s 7.8 m people with impairments. The Law to Eliminate Discrimination against People with Disabilities is the first action by the Japan Disability Forum to align its domestic laws with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . Clarity on the exact definition of what constitutes discrimination is being sought by rights advocates, with the government responding by setting up standards databases and regional councils for resolving disputes. A review of the law is planned for 1 April 2016 , however in the meantime, the Japanese Government is calling for independent oversight.
On 1 April 2016, a new Japanese law came into effect, banning “unjust discrimination” against people with disabilities, and requiring government agencies and private sector businesses to make “reasonable adjustments” to remove social barriers for the nation’s 7.8m people with impairments. The Law to Eliminate Discrimination against People with Disabilities is the first action by the Japanese Government to align its domestic laws with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Clarity on the exact definition of what constitutes discrimination is being sought by rights advocates, with the government responding by setting up standards databases and regional councils for resolving disputes. A review of the law is planned for 2019, however in the meantime, the Japan Disability Forum is calling for independent oversight.