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 . The law is part of the government’s moves to align domestic laws with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, signed in 2007 and ratified in 2014 and to which Japan is a signatory. 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 7.8 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.