E/C.12/JPN/CO/3
United Nations
Economic and Social Council
Distr.: General
10 June 2013
Original: English
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Concluding observations on the third periodic report of
Japan, adopted by the Committee at its fiftieth session
(29 April-17 May 2013)
1.
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the third report
of Japan (E/C.12/JPN/3) at its 3rd and 4th meetings (E/C.12/2013/SR.3-4), held on 30 April
2013, and adopted, at its 28th meeting, held on 17 May 2013, the following concluding
observations.
A.
Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the timely submission by Japan of its third periodic
report, which is in conformity with the Committee’s reporting guidelines and provides an
update on the implementation of several recommendations made by the Committee in its
preceding concluding observations. The Committee also welcomes the submission of the
common core document (HRI/CORE/JPN/2012).
3.
The Committee notes with satisfaction the detailed written replies which it received
to its list of issues (E/C.12/JPN/Q/3/Add.1) and the constructive dialogue held with the
State party’s high-level interministerial delegation.
B.
Positive aspects
4.
The Committee welcomes the State party’s ratification of the following instruments
since the last dialogue with the State party in 2001:
(a)
The Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and on the invo lvement of
children in armed conflicts, on 24 January 2005 and 2 August 2004 respectively;
(b)
The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance on 23 July 2009.
5.
The Committee notes with satisfaction the withdrawal of t he State party’s
reservation to subparagraphs (b) and (c) of paragraph 2 of article 13 of the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, on the progressive introduction of free
education.
6.
The Committee notes with appreciation the State party’s efforts to promote the
implementation of economic, social and cultural rights, which have included:
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