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UNHCR and MOFA Symposium on


Asylum in Japan: Protection,

Assistance and Integration

15 May 2009（Fri）13:00-18:00


[Japanese Text]

Japan’s refugee policy is undergoing a significant change. The increase in asylum applications, topping at 1,599 applications in 2008, and in the number of positive decisions have contributed to changing the image of asylum and refugee protection in Japan. Another significant step was the Cabinet agreement to pilot resettlement. Over 3 years, starting 2010, the Government will resettle 90 Myanmarese refugees from camps in Thailand and offer them protection and integration prospects in Japan.

There are, however, also hurdles facing asylum seekers and refugees in Japan. The Refugee Status Determination (RSD) challenge is to fine-tune the current policy towards more inclusiveness and transparency as well as efficiency. Detention and exploring its alternatives are also issues affecting the mental and physical health of the asylum seekers. Improving reception and assistance conditions for asylum seekers, including their access to basic rights, remains another concern.

Another key challenge is the integration of refugees, including resettled ones. It may be opportune to examine the strategies and programmes required for their successful integration. In addition to the Government’s primary responsibilities, NGOs and other community based organizations can play an important role in achieving this goal.

It is against this background that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of UNHCR in Japan are organizing this Symposium.

The keynote speeches will be delivered by Mrs. Sadako Ogata, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Ichiro Aisawa, Member of the House of Representatives and the Secretary General of the Parliamentary League for UNHCR, and the Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees for Protection, Ms. Erika Feller. Experts from Government ministries, academic community, NGOs as well as refugees will participate in the panel discussions on asylum and assistance, and on local integration and resettlement. Your attendance and contribution will be highly appreciated.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

 


Date and Time: 15 May 2009, 13:00-18:00

Venue: U Thant Hall, United Nations University 2nd Floor, 5-53-70, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. See map

Capacity: 300 persons

Language: Japanese and English (simultaneous interpretation provided)

Admission: Free entry subject to registration.

Registration: Registration will be accepted from 1 May 2009 until 14 May 2009. To register, please send to us either via e-mail (jpntopro@unhcr.org) or by fax on 03-3499-2272, your name, affiliation, title, phone number and email address. Please note that your registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Both UNHCR and MOFA reserve their rights to reject any registration.

Organizers: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

 

■■Agenda■■

1. 12:30- 13:00 Registration

2. 13:00 Introduction by MOFA
Introductory Remarks: Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs

3. 13:05-13:55 Keynote Speeches:
o Mrs. Sadako Ogata, President, Japan International Cooperation Agency / Former UN High Commissioner for Refugees
o Mr. Ichiro Aisawa, Member of the House of Representatives / Secretary General, Parliamentary League for UNHCR
o Ms. Erika Feller, Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees for Protection

Short break

4. 14:00-15:00 Asylum and Assistance in Japan:
o Background: Increase in asylum seekers in Japan
o Importance of fairness and efficiency in Refugee Status Determination
o Reception and assistance conditions
o Expanding partnership (Government and Civil Society)

Panelists (Japanese alphabetical order):
o Ms. Eri Ishikawa, Secretary General, Japan Association for Refugees (JAR)
o Mr. Kantaro Nagano, Attorney at Law and Refugee Examination Counsellor (REC) / Vice-president of the Committee on International Human Rights, Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA)
o Professor Susumu Yamagami, Vice-President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University


o Mr. Jerome Kas


Moderator: Mr. Hideaki Ueda, Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs / Ambassador in charge of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
Commentator: Ms. Erika Feller

5. 15:00-15:45 Q&A

6. 15:45-16:00 Break

7. 16:00-17:00 Resettlement and Local Integration in Japan:
o Background: Cabinet agreement on the pilot project
o Agenda and strategies for successful integration and assistance for resettled and other refugees
o Partnership among the government, local authorities and the civil society for effective integration strategies

Panelists (Japanese alphabetical order):
o Mr. Hiroshi Karube, Director-General, Refugee Assistance Headquarters (RHQ)
o Ms. Mitsuko Shino, Director, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division, MOFA
o Mr. Saw Ba Hla Thein (Coordinator, Karen Information Space)
o Mr. Hidekazu Takahashi, Assistant Manager for Nursery Administration, Children and Families Support Division, Health and Welfare Centre, Tsuzuki Ward Administration Office, Yokohama City

Moderator: Ms. Yukie Osa, Chairperson of the Board, Association for Aid and Relief, Japan
Commentator: Ms. Erika Feller

8. 17:00-17:45 Q&A

17:45-18:00 Closing Remarks: Mr. Johan Cels, Representative, UNHCR Japan


 

 

 
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