Have you ever encountered anything in the course of daily life that you suspect might be an issue connected with human rights? Or are you are having a hard time understanding how something stands under law? In such cases, please use one of the city’s human rights consultation services. (* Consultations are free and are treated with the strictest confidence.)

* A Human Rights Commissioner will listen to your concerns in person.

Human Rights Consultations

Yokohama Crime Victim Consultation Service provides consultations for a range of issues facing those who have been the victims of crime. * If you have any worries, concerns, issues with mental or physical health or similar problems, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Face-to-face consultations can also be arranged if necessary (reservation required).* This service is available to residents of Yokohama City or those who are working or studying in the city along with their

family members.

Yokohama Crime Victim Consultation Service

Yokohama LGBT Consultation Service provides consultations to sexual minorities (homosexual, transgender etc.), members of their families, teachers who teach sexual minority students, etc. Please also do not hesitate to get in touch if you are confused and struggling to work out your own sexual orientation or identity.

Yokohama LGBT Consultation Service

Abridged Edition

Revised January, 2017

Methods of consultation Days and times consultations are available / contact details etc.

Face-to-face consultations

* When calling, you will first be connected to a private multilingual telephone interpreting service provider, followed by the Legal Affairs Bureau and District Legal Affair Bureau, the administrator of this service.Please ensure to dial the correct number when using this service.

Human rights consultation servicesTelephone consultations

https://www.jinken.go.jp/soudan/PC_AD/0101_en.html

●Foreign Language Human Rights Counseling Service on the Internet

* A Yokohama City employee (social welfare officer) will listen to your concerns over the telephone.

Methods of consultation Days and times consultations are available / contact details etc.

Consultations by telephone

Reservation required

Reservation required

English

https://www.jinken.go.jp/soudan/PC_AD/0101_zh.htmlChinese

* Face-to-face consultations can also be arranged if necessary (reservation required).

* A clinical psychologist (professional counsellor working at an NPO) will listen to your concerns over the telephone.

Methods of consultation Days and times reservation is available / contact details etc.

Face-to-face consultations Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 16:00 – 21:00Sundays 14:00 – 18:00

Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines Revised January, 2017 [Abridged Edition]

Editor / publisher Yokohama City Civic Affairs Bureau Human Rights Division Published March, 2017Minato-cho, Chuo-ku, Yokohama City 231-0017 ☎ 045-671-2718 FAX 045-681-5453Website: http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/shimin/jinken/

Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines

Aiming to create a society

in which each and

every individual shows respect

for the human rights of others

Yokohama City

Basic Awareness of Issues concerning Human Rights

Drawing up the Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines

Ways of Thinking behind the Promotion of Human Rights Policies

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・2

・・・・・・4

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・5

S e c t i o n 1

S e c t i o n 2

S e c t i o n 3

Initiatives aimed at promoting Human Rights Policies

Initiatives aimed at tackling a Range of Human Rights Issues

For the Attention of all Citizens, Local Organizations and Business Operators

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・6

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・8

・・・・11

S e c t i o n 4

S e c t i o n 5

S e c t i o n 6

Contents

Wednesdays (excluding National Holidays and the end of year / New Year period) 13:00 – 16:00

☎ 045-671-2306Enquiries: Yokohama City Citizens Advice Service

* Reservations for this service can be made at the counter or by telephone from 8:45 a week in advance.

Available languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese and Vietnamese

Monday – Friday (excluding National Holidays and the end of year / New Year period) 9:00 – 17:00●Foreign Language Human Rights Telephone Counseling Service

☎ 0570-090911

Monday – Friday (excluding National Holidays and the end of year / New Year period) 9:00 – 17:00

☎ 045-671-3117

Enquiries: Yokohama City Civic Affairs Bureau Human Rights Division

☎ 045-594- 6160Enquiries: NPO SHIP (commissioned service provider)

Your call will be dealt with in Japanese in the event that your language is unavailable.If you require foreign language interpreting services, please enquire at the Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges (YOKE) Information Corner (TEL: 045-222-1209) etc.

Basic Awareness of Issues concerning Human RightsSection 1 Y O K O H A M A

2 3

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,* adopted at the 1948 General Assembly of the United Nations, states as follows: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Ever since then, there has been an unending series of initiatives and projects around the world relating to human rights.

* Universal Declaration of Human Rights ··· Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed “as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.”

Awareness of the current state of human rights issues in Yokohama City

Basic ways of thinking about human rights

All people are irreplaceable, with each and every person possessing diverse personalities and rich potentials. Human rights are the inalienable rights of each individual to dignity. By guaranteeing these rights, people can have hope and work to fulfilling their potentials.

1 Dignity of individuals and giving full play to their potentials

Human rights belong to people equally. To respect the human rights of all people is to respect one’ s own human rights.

2 Mutual respect for human rights

All human rights issues have their own particular histories and backgrounds, and differences can also be seen in terms of the actual conditions and phenomena surrounding them. However, in its “Aiming at a Society that Respects Human Rights: A Declaration on the Promotion of Human Rights Policies” (1996), the Yumehama Committee for Human Rights,* which comprises of both citizens and experts, indicates the following general mentalities concerning prejudice and discrimination: 1. Misunderstandings and arbitrary opinions stemming from a lack of knowledge; 2. Mindset that excludes differences; 3. Denial of different sets of values; and 4. Entrenched conceptual views.

As these forms of awareness and mentalities are perceived as being normal among the majority and those in positions of superiority in a society, and are directed at the minority and those in positions of inferiority, those holding such perceptions have a hard time realizing that their views are prejudicial and discriminatory in nature.

To make matters worse, those who hold discriminatory views and prejudices often tend to think that the problems and causes reside on the side of those being discriminated against. The structure of factors which give rise to prejudice and discrimination highlighted in the Declaration remain true to this day.

2 Factors behind prejudice and discrimination

* Yumehama Committee for Human Rights ··· In line with the setting out of human rights policies in the “Yumehama 2010 Plan,” a comprehensive plan drawn up targeting the 2010 fiscal year, the Yumehama Committee for Human Rights was established as a means of listening to the opinions of citizens regarding the basic principles and directions of the policies to be implemented.

In today’ s world, economic activities are becoming increasingly globalized and employment less and less confined to national borders. In response to this, there is an increasing awareness in society of the importance of the roles companies play in matters relating to the respect of human rights, and guidelines have been drawn up to protect the human rights of individuals, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, * which were endorsed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Japan too is currently experiencing a range of major shifts in its social structure due to such trends as a rapid decline in the birth rate and population aging, diversification of the structure of the family, an increase in irregular forms of employment irrespective of gender or age as a result of the easing of restrictions on employ-ment, and the weakening of social solidarity and ties between families in local communities. Changes such as these have also had an impact on people’s awareness of human rights issues.

In order to comprehend the state of awareness of human rights issues among citizens, Yokohama City conducts the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens every 5 years or so.

1 Current state of human rights issues and challenges

* United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights ···The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are a set of

global standards endorsed by the United Nations Human Rights Council that all countries and businesses are expected to abide by.

0 20 40 60（％）

2015 Fiscal Year Survey (N= 2,021)

2010 Fiscal Year Survey (N= 2,271)

Which human rights issues are you interested in?

A Human rights issues concerning the Internet

Human rights issues concerning children

Human rights issues concerning women

Human rights issues concerning children and adults with disabilities

Human rights issues concerning the elderly

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

QSurvey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

Human rights issues concerning the Internet

Human rights issues concerning children

Human rights issues concerning women

Human rights issues concerning children and adults with disabilities

Human rights issues concerning the elderly

Human rights issues concerning the victims of crime etc.

Human rights issues concerning victims of abduction by North Korea etc.

Human rights issues concerning people living in evacuation centers in the event

of a major natural disaster etc.

Issue of discrimination in the workplace

Issue of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation etc.

Human rights issues relating to people infected with HIV or Hansen’s

disease patients and convalescents etc.

Human rights issues relating to suicide and the family members of individuals who have committed suicide

Human rights issues relating to foreign nationals

Human rights issues relating to so-called sexual minorities, such as LGBT

Issue of social integration

Human rights issues relating to those who have served prison sentences and

are released from prison

Human rights issues relating to homeless people

Human rights issues relating to members of the Ainu ethnic group

Other

Nothing in particular

Unclear

45.6 33.9

44.3 41.7

44.2 37.1

44.1 46.5

42.2 39.1

35.8 32.7

35.5 30.2

31.4 No choices

26.4 29.7

21.1 No choices

19.6 23.8

17.5 No choices

16.0 17.6

15.9 15.4

13.9 14.6

13.7 14.0

13.1 14.4

11.8 10.5

2.3 1.3

5.2 5.2

3.3 2.1

Basic Awareness of Issues concerning Human RightsSection 1 Y O K O H A M A

2 3

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,* adopted at the 1948 General Assembly of the United Nations, states as follows: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Ever since then, there has been an unending series of initiatives and projects around the world relating to human rights.

* Universal Declaration of Human Rights ··· Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed “as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.”

Awareness of the current state of human rights issues in Yokohama City

Basic ways of thinking about human rights

All people are irreplaceable, with each and every person possessing diverse personalities and rich potentials. Human rights are the inalienable rights of each individual to dignity. By guaranteeing these rights, people can have hope and work to fulfilling their potentials.

1 Dignity of individuals and giving full play to their potentials

Human rights belong to people equally. To respect the human rights of all people is to respect one’ s own human rights.

2 Mutual respect for human rights

All human rights issues have their own particular histories and backgrounds, and differences can also be seen in terms of the actual conditions and phenomena surrounding them. However, in its “Aiming at a Society that Respects Human Rights: A Declaration on the Promotion of Human Rights Policies” (1996), the Yumehama Committee for Human Rights,* which comprises of both citizens and experts, indicates the following general mentalities concerning prejudice and discrimination: 1. Misunderstandings and arbitrary opinions stemming from a lack of knowledge; 2. Mindset that excludes differences; 3. Denial of different sets of values; and 4. Entrenched conceptual views.

As these forms of awareness and mentalities are perceived as being normal among the majority and those in positions of superiority in a society, and are directed at the minority and those in positions of inferiority, those holding such perceptions have a hard time realizing that their views are prejudicial and discriminatory in nature.

To make matters worse, those who hold discriminatory views and prejudices often tend to think that the problems and causes reside on the side of those being discriminated against. The structure of factors which give rise to prejudice and discrimination highlighted in the Declaration remain true to this day.

2 Factors behind prejudice and discrimination

* Yumehama Committee for Human Rights ··· In line with the setting out of human rights policies in the “Yumehama 2010 Plan,” a comprehensive plan drawn up targeting the 2010 fiscal year, the Yumehama Committee for Human Rights was established as a means of listening to the opinions of citizens regarding the basic principles and directions of the policies to be implemented.

In today’ s world, economic activities are becoming increasingly globalized and employment less and less confined to national borders. In response to this, there is an increasing awareness in society of the importance of the roles companies play in matters relating to the respect of human rights, and guidelines have been drawn up to protect the human rights of individuals, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, * which were endorsed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Japan too is currently experiencing a range of major shifts in its social structure due to such trends as a rapid decline in the birth rate and population aging, diversification of the structure of the family, an increase in irregular forms of employment irrespective of gender or age as a result of the easing of restrictions on employ-ment, and the weakening of social solidarity and ties between families in local communities. Changes such as these have also had an impact on people’s awareness of human rights issues.

In order to comprehend the state of awareness of human rights issues among citizens, Yokohama City conducts the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens every 5 years or so.

1 Current state of human rights issues and challenges

* United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights ···The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are a set of

global standards endorsed by the United Nations Human Rights Council that all countries and businesses are expected to abide by.

0 20 40 60（％）

2015 Fiscal Year Survey (N= 2,021)

2010 Fiscal Year Survey (N= 2,271)

Which human rights issues are you interested in?

A Human rights issues concerning the Internet

Human rights issues concerning children

Human rights issues concerning women

Human rights issues concerning children and adults with disabilities

Human rights issues concerning the elderly

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

QSurvey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

Human rights issues concerning the Internet

Human rights issues concerning children

Human rights issues concerning women

Human rights issues concerning children and adults with disabilities

Human rights issues concerning the elderly

Human rights issues concerning the victims of crime etc.

Human rights issues concerning victims of abduction by North Korea etc.

Human rights issues concerning people living in evacuation centers in the event

of a major natural disaster etc.

Issue of discrimination in the workplace

Issue of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation etc.

Human rights issues relating to people infected with HIV or Hansen’s

disease patients and convalescents etc.

Human rights issues relating to suicide and the family members of individuals who have committed suicide

Human rights issues relating to foreign nationals

Human rights issues relating to so-called sexual minorities, such as LGBT

Issue of social integration

Human rights issues relating to those who have served prison sentences and

are released from prison

Human rights issues relating to homeless people

Human rights issues relating to members of the Ainu ethnic group

Other

Nothing in particular

Unclear

45.6 33.9

44.3 41.7

44.2 37.1

44.1 46.5

42.2 39.1

35.8 32.7

35.5 30.2

31.4 No choices

26.4 29.7

21.1 No choices

19.6 23.8

17.5 No choices

16.0 17.6

15.9 15.4

13.9 14.6

13.7 14.0

13.1 14.4

11.8 10.5

2.3 1.3

5.2 5.2

3.3 2.1

Section 3

4 5

Background behind the drawing up of the Policies and Guidelines

* Empowerment ··· Empowerment refers to the notion of individuals and groups becoming aware of the circumstances in which specific individuals find themselves and working to help them become aware of the issues for themselves and improve the situation.

In a declaration entitled “Aiming at a Society that Respects Human Rights” issued by the Yumehama Committee for Human

Rights in 1996, Yokohama City stated the following fundamental points that need to be taken into consideration in the quest

to solve human rights issues:

(1) Public awareness and educational initiatives for encouraging people to develop a rich awareness of human rights with the

goal of creating a culture and climate of respecting human rights

(2) Initiatives aimed at understanding the current status of human rights issues, which will form the basis for the promotion of

human rights policies

(3) Promoting the development of social systems which facilitate the protection of human rights

(4) Creation of networks for effectively carrying out initiatives

In light of this declaration, in 1998 Yokohama City engaged in all its policymaking and projects from the perspective of the

respect for human rights, and also drew up the Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines as a means of

appealing to citizens, local organizations and business operators to become involved in these initiatives.

Fundamental stanceIn order to realize the kind of society in which each and every citizen is accorded respect as a human being, employees of

Yokohama City engage in their work with an awareness of matters relating to human rights based on the following fundamental

stance.

Regarding this revised versionEver since the drawing up of these guidelines in 1998, Yokohama City has always positioned policies relating to human

rights as an important issue for the city. Later on, in 2011, the city undertook its first ever revision of the guidelines in order to

further promote human rights policies and deepen understanding of human rights throughout society. Around five years on,

the issues surrounding human rights have become extremely diverse and complex in nature; in addition to the kinds of human

rights issues typically seen in the past, new kinds of human rights issues are now being recognized, such as online human

rights issues, human rights issues stemming from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the ensuing nuclear accident at

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and harassment. In addition, legislation relating to human rights has also

progressed since the previous revision. It is with these facts in mind that the city decided to revise these guidelines based on

a range of circumstances surrounding human rights.

These guidelines present the basic stance of Yokohama City in respect to engaging in all of its policymaking and projects

from the perspective of the respect for human rights. In addition, they also provide an overall picture of the initiatives which

have been taken in the area of human rights policies in Yokohama City. We aim to create a society in which each and every

individual shows respect for the human rights of others by ensuring that the human rights of all citizens are respected and that

citizens further develop their recognition of human rights during the course of their daily lives.

Yokohama City is working across the board to solve the various problems relating to human rights by incorporating the

perspective of the respect for human right in its various basic plans and action plans based on the content of these guidelines,

and promoting human rights policies in a comprehensive and systematic manner. In order to promote human rights policies in

accordance with these guidelines, the city exchanges opinions with civilian groups, NPOs and other parties who are involved

in tackling human rights issues.

In addition to working to solve human rights issues as part of its administrative obligations, Yokohama City reaches out to

citizens, local organizations and business operators in an effort to elicit their agreement concerning the purport of these

principles. The city also advocates cooperation with all parties as a means of creating a social environment that respects

human rights.

1 What are the guidelines?

Overview of the guidelines

3 Advocacy of cooperation with citizens, local organizations and business operators

2 Initiatives of Yokohama City

a. Think of human rights issues as one’s own issues

b. Be aware of the existence of the discriminated

c. Seek to communicate with the discriminated

d. Try to understand how the discriminated feel

e. Be aware that many of the discriminated are facing difficulties of a

complex nature

a. Facilitate empowerment * by engaging in initiatives with the stance of providing support

b. Think about the issues from the perspectives of a diverse range of people

c. Gain a comprehension of trends in initiatives relating to human rights both in Japan and overseas and consider them

from a broad range of perspectives

d. Think about the issues from the perspective of international standards for human rights

e. Think about changes to social conditions from the perspective of human rights

f. Examine policies etc. from the perspective of human rights

g. Connect initiatives in individual fields with initiatives seeking to tackle issues that are common to human rights as a

whole

h. Work to gain an understanding of the opinions of citizens

i. Promote cooperation between administrative bodies and organizations concerned with human rights, NPOs, etc.

j. Work to protect privacy and generate awareness among the public

1 In order to deepen understanding of human rights issues, Yokohama City will:

Perspectives to be adopted within Yokohama City’s initiatives

2 In order to promote human rights issues, Yokohama City will:

❶ Municipal governance with an underlying respect for human rights

Respect for the human rights of every individual is

vital for citizens to lead comfortable lives. With this in

mind, Yokohama City endeavors to put in place

municipal governance with an underlying respect for

human rights.

Yokohama City approaches municipal governance

with the stance of seeking to eradicate discrimination of

all kinds, putting itself in the shoes of those who are ex-

periencing hardship and hurt at the hands of discrimi-

nation and prejudice (hereafter, “the discriminated”).

It goes without saying that all city employees pos-sess the seasoned skills needed to carry out their work. In addition, though, they are also expected to have a refined awareness of human rights issues, car-rying out their work with a broad-ranging awareness of human rights of all kinds and the issues at hand.

In order to resolve a range of issues connected with human rights, Yokohama City provides active support for the independent activities of individual citizens, local organizations and business operators.

❷ Putting oneself in the shoes of those who experience discrimination

❸ Improvement of awareness of human rights among employees who are responsible for municipal governance

❹ Support for initiatives that target the whole of regional society

Drawing up the Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines Ways of Thinking behind the Promotion of Human Rights PoliciesSection 2

Section 3

4 5

Background behind the drawing up of the Policies and Guidelines

* Empowerment ··· Empowerment refers to the notion of individuals and groups becoming aware of the circumstances in which specific individuals find themselves and working to help them become aware of the issues for themselves and improve the situation.

In a declaration entitled “Aiming at a Society that Respects Human Rights” issued by the Yumehama Committee for Human

Rights in 1996, Yokohama City stated the following fundamental points that need to be taken into consideration in the quest

to solve human rights issues:

(1) Public awareness and educational initiatives for encouraging people to develop a rich awareness of human rights with the

goal of creating a culture and climate of respecting human rights

(2) Initiatives aimed at understanding the current status of human rights issues, which will form the basis for the promotion of

human rights policies

(3) Promoting the development of social systems which facilitate the protection of human rights

(4) Creation of networks for effectively carrying out initiatives

In light of this declaration, in 1998 Yokohama City engaged in all its policymaking and projects from the perspective of the

respect for human rights, and also drew up the Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines as a means of

appealing to citizens, local organizations and business operators to become involved in these initiatives.

Fundamental stanceIn order to realize the kind of society in which each and every citizen is accorded respect as a human being, employees of

Yokohama City engage in their work with an awareness of matters relating to human rights based on the following fundamental

stance.

Regarding this revised versionEver since the drawing up of these guidelines in 1998, Yokohama City has always positioned policies relating to human

rights as an important issue for the city. Later on, in 2011, the city undertook its first ever revision of the guidelines in order to

further promote human rights policies and deepen understanding of human rights throughout society. Around five years on,

the issues surrounding human rights have become extremely diverse and complex in nature; in addition to the kinds of human

rights issues typically seen in the past, new kinds of human rights issues are now being recognized, such as online human

rights issues, human rights issues stemming from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the ensuing nuclear accident at

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and harassment. In addition, legislation relating to human rights has also

progressed since the previous revision. It is with these facts in mind that the city decided to revise these guidelines based on

a range of circumstances surrounding human rights.

These guidelines present the basic stance of Yokohama City in respect to engaging in all of its policymaking and projects

from the perspective of the respect for human rights. In addition, they also provide an overall picture of the initiatives which

have been taken in the area of human rights policies in Yokohama City. We aim to create a society in which each and every

individual shows respect for the human rights of others by ensuring that the human rights of all citizens are respected and that

citizens further develop their recognition of human rights during the course of their daily lives.

Yokohama City is working across the board to solve the various problems relating to human rights by incorporating the

perspective of the respect for human right in its various basic plans and action plans based on the content of these guidelines,

and promoting human rights policies in a comprehensive and systematic manner. In order to promote human rights policies in

accordance with these guidelines, the city exchanges opinions with civilian groups, NPOs and other parties who are involved

in tackling human rights issues.

In addition to working to solve human rights issues as part of its administrative obligations, Yokohama City reaches out to

citizens, local organizations and business operators in an effort to elicit their agreement concerning the purport of these

principles. The city also advocates cooperation with all parties as a means of creating a social environment that respects

human rights.

1 What are the guidelines?

Overview of the guidelines

3 Advocacy of cooperation with citizens, local organizations and business operators

2 Initiatives of Yokohama City

a. Think of human rights issues as one’s own issues

b. Be aware of the existence of the discriminated

c. Seek to communicate with the discriminated

d. Try to understand how the discriminated feel

e. Be aware that many of the discriminated are facing difficulties of a

complex nature

a. Facilitate empowerment * by engaging in initiatives with the stance of providing support

b. Think about the issues from the perspectives of a diverse range of people

c. Gain a comprehension of trends in initiatives relating to human rights both in Japan and overseas and consider them

from a broad range of perspectives

d. Think about the issues from the perspective of international standards for human rights

e. Think about changes to social conditions from the perspective of human rights

f. Examine policies etc. from the perspective of human rights

g. Connect initiatives in individual fields with initiatives seeking to tackle issues that are common to human rights as a

whole

h. Work to gain an understanding of the opinions of citizens

i. Promote cooperation between administrative bodies and organizations concerned with human rights, NPOs, etc.

j. Work to protect privacy and generate awareness among the public

1 In order to deepen understanding of human rights issues, Yokohama City will:

Perspectives to be adopted within Yokohama City’s initiatives

2 In order to promote human rights issues, Yokohama City will:

❶ Municipal governance with an underlying respect for human rights

Respect for the human rights of every individual is

vital for citizens to lead comfortable lives. With this in

mind, Yokohama City endeavors to put in place

municipal governance with an underlying respect for

human rights.

Yokohama City approaches municipal governance

with the stance of seeking to eradicate discrimination of

all kinds, putting itself in the shoes of those who are ex-

periencing hardship and hurt at the hands of discrimi-

nation and prejudice (hereafter, “the discriminated”).

It goes without saying that all city employees pos-sess the seasoned skills needed to carry out their work. In addition, though, they are also expected to have a refined awareness of human rights issues, car-rying out their work with a broad-ranging awareness of human rights of all kinds and the issues at hand.

In order to resolve a range of issues connected with human rights, Yokohama City provides active support for the independent activities of individual citizens, local organizations and business operators.

❷ Putting oneself in the shoes of those who experience discrimination

❸ Improvement of awareness of human rights among employees who are responsible for municipal governance

❹ Support for initiatives that target the whole of regional society

Drawing up the Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines Ways of Thinking behind the Promotion of Human Rights PoliciesSection 2

Y O K O H A M A

6 7

Surveys and fact-finding

Many human rights issues are not easily visible and are thus hard to perceive. This is why it is often difficult for people around those suffering from prejudice or discrimination to recognize what is going on. While prejudice and discrimination of various kinds have always existed within human societies, the current situation is such that there is insufficient clarity surrounding their true nature or the kinds of issues that society should be dealing with.

Yokohama City has been attempting to gain a clearer comprehension of the facts as they stand through such means as its periodic Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens and surveys on actual life conditions in a variety of fields. In the future, too, in addition to working to gain a better understanding of trends in public awareness through a range of surveys, the city will also seek to reach a more accurate understanding of the current situation by examining and building up a database of previous case studies of consultations and the ways in which they were dealt.

Promotion of training, education and public awareness

In order to promote initiatives intended to stamp out discrimination, there is a need to put oneself in the shoes of the discriminated and come up with ways to resolve their problems. In order to do this, all city employees, teachers etc. actively take part in training which gives them a strong sense of social obligation in solving human rights issues and, more than anything, raises their awareness of human rights.

In addition, the city also promotes public awareness activities in which citizens from a wide range of generations and lifestyle backgrounds can participate on a voluntary basis. In terms of school education, the city will continue to promote human rights education programs to children at all stages of development.

Construction of systems for protecting rights

In order to realize the kind of society in which the human rights of every individual are respected and all people can life in security, there is a need for social systems to be in place that provide a range of consultation services for those whose human rights have been violated, and which enable them to receive assistance from an appropriate organization.

Yokohama City has coordinated closely with related government facilities along with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs to put in place a substantial system which protects the human rights of its citizens, such as consultation services. In addition, it receives support from Human Rights Commissioners whose duty is to deal with human rights issues that occur in the region, such as by raising awareness of the system and other activities.

When it comes to consultations in various fields including welfare and education, we seek to strengthen cooperation between consultation facilities as well as improve the qualities of staff and the functions of consultations, enabling those receiving consultations to benefit from accurate advice and guidance.

Furthermore, we continue to put in place an expansive network linking organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that deal with human rights issues with citizens and local communities. When it comes to matters concerning human rights, we also give the necessary and full consideration to ensure that we protect the privacy of our important citizens.

Creation of human rights networksThe most important thing in dealing with human rights issues is to construct systems that ensure consensus and protect

human rights throughout society.This has particular meaning for the activities of human rights organizations, such as organizations connected with human

rights and NPOs who provide intimate support to individuals who have suffered from discrimination or prejudice. In order to solve human rights issues, efforts need to be made to construct networks covering the whole of society, including organizations of this kind.

When putting such networks in place, Yokohama City works hard to establish collaborative systems that allocate the functions between the various parties and draw on their characteristics while respecting the autonomy of each organization.

Substantial human rights training Substantial human rights education●Yokohama City provides substantial human rights training to

enable all of its employees to have a correct understanding of human rights issues, to perceive them as issues which are not unconnected from themselves, and to work toward solutions to these issues in a range of fields.

●Yokohama City provides substantial human rights training to enable all of its teachers to perceive human rights issues as issues which are not unconnected from themselves, to take good care of each and every child under their care, and to accept children from various different backgrounds.

●The city also provides support for human rights training programs aimed at business operators etc.

Promotion of active public awareness activities●In addition to providing support for the independent self-development activities of citizens etc.,

Yokohama City provides opportunities for people to become involved in various kinds of public awareness activities. In addition, it has put in place the kind of environment that allows people to access the latest information.

●The city has devised methods for generating public awareness that get participants to think about the issues for themselves and which leaves them with a lasting impression and sense of empathy.

●When running human rights awareness projects, the city carries out questionnaire surveys etc. among the participants and analyzes the content of their answers. This data is then used to evaluate and inspect the effectiveness of the projects, and to devise new projects.

●At schools, in addition to working to put in place educational environments that give everyone a sense that they are valued, Yokohama City conducts programs aimed at improving understanding of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

●The city fosters an awareness of the need to respect human rights through human rights education curricula tailored to the developmental stage of children.

●The city provides support for initiatives which bring together schools and local communities, as well as for independent lifelong learning for citizens by appealing to universities etc.

Protection of rights Consultations / support

Creation of a networkwithin the city

Creation of a network betweenadministrative organs

● Protection of the rights of people who have had their human rights violated

● Protection of the rights of people who use facilities etc.

● Support for the activities of Human Rights Commissioners

● Ensuring that people know about consultation facilities● Reinforcing consultation systems● Putting in place substantial training for human

resources who are involved with consultations● Making sure that consultation and support systems

are run in coordination with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs

● Facilitating interactivity between consultation facilities and cooperation with professional organizations

In order to promote human rights policies in a comprehensive and systematic manner, Yokohama City set up the Yokohama City Council for the Promotion of Human Rights Policies to facilitate greater cooperation between the related departments.

Policies are promoted through this network of collaboration based on the division of roles according to the characteristics of related national, prefectural and municipal institutions.

Creation of a network betweenadministrative organs and the private sector

Creation ofa private sector network

In order to respond to a diverse range of needs that cannot be dealt with through public institutions and systems alone, this network promotes greater collaboration and cooperation between organizations connected with human rights and NPOs and administrative organs based on the division of roles and according to the nature of relations between both sides.

This network promotes greater collaboration and cooperation between organizations connected with human rights and NPOs and consultation and medical institutions, enabling them to share know how and information. In addition, it plays a supporting role in providing opportunities for exchanges between these organizations, as well as generating awareness among citizens and companies through a range of platforms concerning the roles and content of activities of organizations connected with human rights and NPOs.

Initiatives aimed at promoting Human Rights PoliciesSection 4

Y O K O H A M A

6 7

Surveys and fact-finding

Many human rights issues are not easily visible and are thus hard to perceive. This is why it is often difficult for people around those suffering from prejudice or discrimination to recognize what is going on. While prejudice and discrimination of various kinds have always existed within human societies, the current situation is such that there is insufficient clarity surrounding their true nature or the kinds of issues that society should be dealing with.

Yokohama City has been attempting to gain a clearer comprehension of the facts as they stand through such means as its periodic Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens and surveys on actual life conditions in a variety of fields. In the future, too, in addition to working to gain a better understanding of trends in public awareness through a range of surveys, the city will also seek to reach a more accurate understanding of the current situation by examining and building up a database of previous case studies of consultations and the ways in which they were dealt.

Promotion of training, education and public awareness

In order to promote initiatives intended to stamp out discrimination, there is a need to put oneself in the shoes of the discriminated and come up with ways to resolve their problems. In order to do this, all city employees, teachers etc. actively take part in training which gives them a strong sense of social obligation in solving human rights issues and, more than anything, raises their awareness of human rights.

In addition, the city also promotes public awareness activities in which citizens from a wide range of generations and lifestyle backgrounds can participate on a voluntary basis. In terms of school education, the city will continue to promote human rights education programs to children at all stages of development.

Construction of systems for protecting rights

In order to realize the kind of society in which the human rights of every individual are respected and all people can life in security, there is a need for social systems to be in place that provide a range of consultation services for those whose human rights have been violated, and which enable them to receive assistance from an appropriate organization.

Yokohama City has coordinated closely with related government facilities along with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs to put in place a substantial system which protects the human rights of its citizens, such as consultation services. In addition, it receives support from Human Rights Commissioners whose duty is to deal with human rights issues that occur in the region, such as by raising awareness of the system and other activities.

When it comes to consultations in various fields including welfare and education, we seek to strengthen cooperation between consultation facilities as well as improve the qualities of staff and the functions of consultations, enabling those receiving consultations to benefit from accurate advice and guidance.

Furthermore, we continue to put in place an expansive network linking organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that deal with human rights issues with citizens and local communities. When it comes to matters concerning human rights, we also give the necessary and full consideration to ensure that we protect the privacy of our important citizens.

Creation of human rights networksThe most important thing in dealing with human rights issues is to construct systems that ensure consensus and protect

human rights throughout society.This has particular meaning for the activities of human rights organizations, such as organizations connected with human

rights and NPOs who provide intimate support to individuals who have suffered from discrimination or prejudice. In order to solve human rights issues, efforts need to be made to construct networks covering the whole of society, including organizations of this kind.

When putting such networks in place, Yokohama City works hard to establish collaborative systems that allocate the functions between the various parties and draw on their characteristics while respecting the autonomy of each organization.

Substantial human rights training Substantial human rights education●Yokohama City provides substantial human rights training to

enable all of its employees to have a correct understanding of human rights issues, to perceive them as issues which are not unconnected from themselves, and to work toward solutions to these issues in a range of fields.

●Yokohama City provides substantial human rights training to enable all of its teachers to perceive human rights issues as issues which are not unconnected from themselves, to take good care of each and every child under their care, and to accept children from various different backgrounds.

●The city also provides support for human rights training programs aimed at business operators etc.

Promotion of active public awareness activities●In addition to providing support for the independent self-development activities of citizens etc.,

Yokohama City provides opportunities for people to become involved in various kinds of public awareness activities. In addition, it has put in place the kind of environment that allows people to access the latest information.

●The city has devised methods for generating public awareness that get participants to think about the issues for themselves and which leaves them with a lasting impression and sense of empathy.

●When running human rights awareness projects, the city carries out questionnaire surveys etc. among the participants and analyzes the content of their answers. This data is then used to evaluate and inspect the effectiveness of the projects, and to devise new projects.

●At schools, in addition to working to put in place educational environments that give everyone a sense that they are valued, Yokohama City conducts programs aimed at improving understanding of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

●The city fosters an awareness of the need to respect human rights through human rights education curricula tailored to the developmental stage of children.

●The city provides support for initiatives which bring together schools and local communities, as well as for independent lifelong learning for citizens by appealing to universities etc.

Protection of rights Consultations / support

Creation of a networkwithin the city

Creation of a network betweenadministrative organs

● Protection of the rights of people who have had their human rights violated

● Protection of the rights of people who use facilities etc.

● Support for the activities of Human Rights Commissioners

● Ensuring that people know about consultation facilities● Reinforcing consultation systems● Putting in place substantial training for human

resources who are involved with consultations● Making sure that consultation and support systems

are run in coordination with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs

● Facilitating interactivity between consultation facilities and cooperation with professional organizations

In order to promote human rights policies in a comprehensive and systematic manner, Yokohama City set up the Yokohama City Council for the Promotion of Human Rights Policies to facilitate greater cooperation between the related departments.

Policies are promoted through this network of collaboration based on the division of roles according to the characteristics of related national, prefectural and municipal institutions.

Creation of a network betweenadministrative organs and the private sector

Creation ofa private sector network

In order to respond to a diverse range of needs that cannot be dealt with through public institutions and systems alone, this network promotes greater collaboration and cooperation between organizations connected with human rights and NPOs and administrative organs based on the division of roles and according to the nature of relations between both sides.

This network promotes greater collaboration and cooperation between organizations connected with human rights and NPOs and consultation and medical institutions, enabling them to share know how and information. In addition, it plays a supporting role in providing opportunities for exchanges between these organizations, as well as generating awareness among citizens and companies through a range of platforms concerning the roles and content of activities of organizations connected with human rights and NPOs.

Initiatives aimed at promoting Human Rights PoliciesSection 4

Yokohama City promotes policies which allow people working in professions of all kinds to be accorded equal respect, and to work and live their lives with pride and confidence.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

・ Evaluating and revising one’s thoughts on the relationship between people and animals Training and awareness-raising among city employees and teachers・ Promotion of public relations and awareness among citizens

・ Support for initiatives seeking to enable individuals to solve their own problems and realize their true potentials (empowerment)

・ Collaboration and cooperation in the provision of information and know how from related facilities

Yokohama City promotes policies which provides its citizens with the reassurance that they can receive appropriate medical care, which protect the human rights of those suffering from illness, and which enable them to live their daily lives with peace of mind.

Surveys and fact-finding・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Medical among Yokohama Citizens

Promotion of training, education and public awareness・ Diffusion of the correct information by city employees to spread public awareness

to citizens, the media, etc.・ Awareness-raising among medical professionals of the need for informed consentConstruction of systems for protecting rights

・ Highlighting the importance of medical professionals etc. stepping into the shoes of patients・ Dealing with illnesses such as HIV and new strains of influenza with a correct understanding

of infectious diseases

Creation of human rights networks・ Collaboration and cooperation between consultation and medical facilities

Yokohama City promotes policies which aim to create a vibrant multicultural society in which there is mutual understanding between citizens, both Japanese and foreign nationals, irrespective of differences in nationality and culture.

Surveys and fact-finding

・ Implementation of the Awareness Survey on Foreign Nationals

Promotion of training, education and public awareness・ Educational support for the children of foreign nationals・ Promotion of education that encourages international understanding from a

multicultural perspective

Construction of systems for protecting rights・ Promotion of public relations and the provision of information in multiple languages・ Support for Japanese language learning etc.

Creation of human rights networks・ Development of support systems in a range of different fields, including law,

medical care and welfare

Section 5 Y O K O H A M A

8 9

Human rights issues are highly diverse in nature, extending to all areas of society. In light of this, in order to address the issues at hand, there is a need for uninterrupted initiatives that give sufficient consideration to the historical background and characteristics of each issue, covering everything from education and public awareness to consultations and support.

Not only this, but it is all too often the case that those who are faced with human rights issues are forced into difficult circumstances of a complex nature.

Therefore, it is also important when considering human rights issues to adopt this perspective and increase awareness of the issues and complex hardships surrounding those who are experiencing discrimination.

WomenYokohama City promotes policies that enable everyone to sufficiently draw on their individual qualities and capabilities to participate in all

areas of society on an equal footing, irrespective of gender.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Gender Equality among Yokohama Citizens ・ Implementation of other surveys relating to gender equality policies

・ Promotion of women’s participation in the decision making process・ Promotion of work-life balance at places of work etc.

・ Support for single parent households and foreign residents, safety for victims of domestic violence

・ Extra support for ensuring security and independence

Children

Issues surrounding social integrationYokohama City promotes policies which seek to eradicate prejudice and discrimination by encouraging a correct understanding and

awareness of issues surrounding social integration.

Foreign nationals

Disabled persons (children and adults)

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

・ Protection of the rights and interests of individuals and prevention of the fraudulent acquisition of personal information through the administration of the Victim Notification System *3

・ IInitiatives to raise awareness through collaboration between administrative organs, citizens, local communities, businesses, organizations, etc.

・ Training and awareness-building for city employees aimed at generating awareness and solutions to the current issues surrounding social integration・ Initiatives such as training based on the current status of enquiries relating to investigations

into the background of individuals and areas targeted for antidiscrimination measures

*3 Victim Notification System ··· The Victim Notification System is a system which protects the rights and interests of individuals and prevents the fraudulent acquisition of personal information from resident registers etc. by informing the individual concerned in the event that copies of resident registers, family registers etc. are acquired unlawfully by third parties other than the individual.

Workplace discrimination

HomelessnessYokohama City promotes comprehensive policies which, in addition to respecting the fundamental human rights of homeless persons and

helping them escape from the vicious cycle of life on the streets, also deepen understanding of the issues among citizens.

Elderly persons

Illness

Initiatives aimed at tackling a Range of Human Rights Issues

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the National Survey on the Actual Conditions of the Homeless・ Raising of awareness through such means as the public relations magazine “Koho

Yokohama” and human rights training・ Promotion of human rights education at schools based on the principle of respect for life

・ Provision of services and support that respect those individuals who enter facilities such as self-reliance support facilities, and which place first priority on the protection of the human rights of each individual

・ Promotion of policies which help homeless individuals become independent based on the 3rd Yokohama City Action Plan relating to Support etc. for the Independence of the Homeless

Creation of human rights networks

Yokohama City promotes policies that enable the whole of society to come together to respect the human rights of children, who represent the future of society. These include helping children to develop properly, preventing child abuse and bullying, and public awareness activities in households and local communities.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Gaining a grasp of the current situation through anonymous questionnaire surveys aimed at all school students and questionnaire surveys aimed at all teachers・ Implementation of questionnaire surveys targeting citizens, interviews with helpers

etc. as a means of gaining a grasp of the current situation concerning poverty among children etc.

・ Fostering a social awareness in which people respect the personalities and rights of children・ Promoting school education of a kind that heightens the self-esteem of children

and which develops in them an awareness, attitude and desire to protect their own human rights along with the human rights of others

・ Enabling consultations, guidance etc. that takes into consideration the perspectives of children・ Extra support systems relating to measures to support the independence of

young people

・ Promotion of comprehensive policies to prevent child abuse that cover all stages, from prevention to early detection and responses and prevention of recurrence based on the Yokohama City Ordinance to protect Children from Abuse・ Construction of a network between consultation facilities and services and related organizations

In addition to community planning of a kind that enables elderly persons to live in peace and security, Yokohama City promote policies that respect the human rights of elderly persons, such as by protecting their rights.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the Yokohama City Survey on the Actual Conditions of Elderly Persons

・ Putting in place barrier free environments *1 and raising public awareness of universal designs *2 so that elderly persons can live in peace and security

・ Prevention and early detection of and responses to the abuse of elderly persons and support for caregivers・ Promotion of systems in which members of communities provide mutual support and keep an eye on others along with adult guardianship as a means of preventing elderly persons from becoming isolated

Creation of human rights networks・ Putting in place of environments in which elderly persons can be active in their

own ways and participate in society・ Creation of systems that give people a correct understanding of dementia and

which allow them to live in their local communities in in peace and security, even if they come are afflicted with dementia

*1 Barrier free ··· Barrier free is a concept referring to the act of removing those things which impede (barriers) elderly persons and individuals with disabilities from living in society.*2 Universal design ··· Universal design is the idea of overcoming the many differences between people, such as age, gender, body type or nationality to design facilities, buildings, products, environments, events etc.

that give consideration to the ease of use by as many people as possible.

Yokohama City promotes policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities from the perspective that “disabilities” are something which should be understood as an issue on the side of society.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of questionnaire surveys etc. for those involved in drawing up plans for New Long-Term Programs of Government Measures for Disabled Persons・ Getting a grasp of case studies of consultations relating to discrimination against

those with disabilities

・ Promoting understanding of disabilities in local communities etc. in accordance with the characteristics of each individual disability・ Promotion of mutual understanding among those with and without disabilities

through interaction etc.

・ Encouraging the practice of reasonable accommodation・ Prevention and early detection of and responses to the abuse of disabled persons

and support

・ Participation of those involved with disabilities in the policymaking process in various fields・ Encouraging those with disabilities to participate in society, such as through work

Yokohama City promotes policies which allow people working in professions of all kinds to be accorded equal respect, and to work and live their lives with pride and confidence.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

・ Evaluating and revising one’s thoughts on the relationship between people and animals Training and awareness-raising among city employees and teachers・ Promotion of public relations and awareness among citizens

・ Support for initiatives seeking to enable individuals to solve their own problems and realize their true potentials (empowerment)

・ Collaboration and cooperation in the provision of information and know how from related facilities

Yokohama City promotes policies which provides its citizens with the reassurance that they can receive appropriate medical care, which protect the human rights of those suffering from illness, and which enable them to live their daily lives with peace of mind.

Surveys and fact-finding・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Medical among Yokohama Citizens

Promotion of training, education and public awareness・ Diffusion of the correct information by city employees to spread public awareness

to citizens, the media, etc.・ Awareness-raising among medical professionals of the need for informed consentConstruction of systems for protecting rights

・ Highlighting the importance of medical professionals etc. stepping into the shoes of patients・ Dealing with illnesses such as HIV and new strains of influenza with a correct understanding

of infectious diseases

Creation of human rights networks・ Collaboration and cooperation between consultation and medical facilities

Yokohama City promotes policies which aim to create a vibrant multicultural society in which there is mutual understanding between citizens, both Japanese and foreign nationals, irrespective of differences in nationality and culture.

Surveys and fact-finding

・ Implementation of the Awareness Survey on Foreign Nationals

Promotion of training, education and public awareness・ Educational support for the children of foreign nationals・ Promotion of education that encourages international understanding from a

multicultural perspective

Construction of systems for protecting rights・ Promotion of public relations and the provision of information in multiple languages・ Support for Japanese language learning etc.

Creation of human rights networks・ Development of support systems in a range of different fields, including law,

medical care and welfare

Section 5 Y O K O H A M A

8 9

Human rights issues are highly diverse in nature, extending to all areas of society. In light of this, in order to address the issues at hand, there is a need for uninterrupted initiatives that give sufficient consideration to the historical background and characteristics of each issue, covering everything from education and public awareness to consultations and support.

Not only this, but it is all too often the case that those who are faced with human rights issues are forced into difficult circumstances of a complex nature.

Therefore, it is also important when considering human rights issues to adopt this perspective and increase awareness of the issues and complex hardships surrounding those who are experiencing discrimination.

WomenYokohama City promotes policies that enable everyone to sufficiently draw on their individual qualities and capabilities to participate in all

areas of society on an equal footing, irrespective of gender.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Gender Equality among Yokohama Citizens ・ Implementation of other surveys relating to gender equality policies

・ Promotion of women’s participation in the decision making process・ Promotion of work-life balance at places of work etc.

・ Support for single parent households and foreign residents, safety for victims of domestic violence

・ Extra support for ensuring security and independence

Children

Issues surrounding social integrationYokohama City promotes policies which seek to eradicate prejudice and discrimination by encouraging a correct understanding and

awareness of issues surrounding social integration.

Foreign nationals

Disabled persons (children and adults)

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

・ Protection of the rights and interests of individuals and prevention of the fraudulent acquisition of personal information through the administration of the Victim Notification System *3

・ IInitiatives to raise awareness through collaboration between administrative organs, citizens, local communities, businesses, organizations, etc.

・ Training and awareness-building for city employees aimed at generating awareness and solutions to the current issues surrounding social integration・ Initiatives such as training based on the current status of enquiries relating to investigations

into the background of individuals and areas targeted for antidiscrimination measures

*3 Victim Notification System ··· The Victim Notification System is a system which protects the rights and interests of individuals and prevents the fraudulent acquisition of personal information from resident registers etc. by informing the individual concerned in the event that copies of resident registers, family registers etc. are acquired unlawfully by third parties other than the individual.

Workplace discrimination

HomelessnessYokohama City promotes comprehensive policies which, in addition to respecting the fundamental human rights of homeless persons and

helping them escape from the vicious cycle of life on the streets, also deepen understanding of the issues among citizens.

Elderly persons

Illness

Initiatives aimed at tackling a Range of Human Rights Issues

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the National Survey on the Actual Conditions of the Homeless・ Raising of awareness through such means as the public relations magazine “Koho

Yokohama” and human rights training・ Promotion of human rights education at schools based on the principle of respect for life

・ Provision of services and support that respect those individuals who enter facilities such as self-reliance support facilities, and which place first priority on the protection of the human rights of each individual

・ Promotion of policies which help homeless individuals become independent based on the 3rd Yokohama City Action Plan relating to Support etc. for the Independence of the Homeless

Creation of human rights networks

Yokohama City promotes policies that enable the whole of society to come together to respect the human rights of children, who represent the future of society. These include helping children to develop properly, preventing child abuse and bullying, and public awareness activities in households and local communities.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Gaining a grasp of the current situation through anonymous questionnaire surveys aimed at all school students and questionnaire surveys aimed at all teachers・ Implementation of questionnaire surveys targeting citizens, interviews with helpers

etc. as a means of gaining a grasp of the current situation concerning poverty among children etc.

・ Fostering a social awareness in which people respect the personalities and rights of children・ Promoting school education of a kind that heightens the self-esteem of children

and which develops in them an awareness, attitude and desire to protect their own human rights along with the human rights of others

・ Enabling consultations, guidance etc. that takes into consideration the perspectives of children・ Extra support systems relating to measures to support the independence of

young people

・ Promotion of comprehensive policies to prevent child abuse that cover all stages, from prevention to early detection and responses and prevention of recurrence based on the Yokohama City Ordinance to protect Children from Abuse・ Construction of a network between consultation facilities and services and related organizations

In addition to community planning of a kind that enables elderly persons to live in peace and security, Yokohama City promote policies that respect the human rights of elderly persons, such as by protecting their rights.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the Yokohama City Survey on the Actual Conditions of Elderly Persons

・ Putting in place barrier free environments *1 and raising public awareness of universal designs *2 so that elderly persons can live in peace and security

・ Prevention and early detection of and responses to the abuse of elderly persons and support for caregivers・ Promotion of systems in which members of communities provide mutual support and keep an eye on others along with adult guardianship as a means of preventing elderly persons from becoming isolated

Creation of human rights networks・ Putting in place of environments in which elderly persons can be active in their

own ways and participate in society・ Creation of systems that give people a correct understanding of dementia and

which allow them to live in their local communities in in peace and security, even if they come are afflicted with dementia

*1 Barrier free ··· Barrier free is a concept referring to the act of removing those things which impede (barriers) elderly persons and individuals with disabilities from living in society.*2 Universal design ··· Universal design is the idea of overcoming the many differences between people, such as age, gender, body type or nationality to design facilities, buildings, products, environments, events etc.

that give consideration to the ease of use by as many people as possible.

Yokohama City promotes policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities from the perspective that “disabilities” are something which should be understood as an issue on the side of society.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of questionnaire surveys etc. for those involved in drawing up plans for New Long-Term Programs of Government Measures for Disabled Persons・ Getting a grasp of case studies of consultations relating to discrimination against

those with disabilities

・ Promoting understanding of disabilities in local communities etc. in accordance with the characteristics of each individual disability・ Promotion of mutual understanding among those with and without disabilities

through interaction etc.

・ Encouraging the practice of reasonable accommodation・ Prevention and early detection of and responses to the abuse of disabled persons

and support

・ Participation of those involved with disabilities in the policymaking process in various fields・ Encouraging those with disabilities to participate in society, such as through work

Y O K O H A M A

10 11

Sexual minoritiesYokohama City promotes comprehensive policies which seek to end the discrimination, prejudice and daily hardships faced by sexual

minorities, enabling them to live life to the fullest in their own way.

Suicide and the family members of individuals who have committed suicideYokohama City promotes policies which seek to gain a correct understanding of the issue of suicide, which reinforce collaboration and

cooperation between consultation facilities and services and related institutions, and which provide appropriate support.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Survey on the Awareness of Suicide among Yokohama Citizens・ Training and awareness-raising for city employees concerning suicide and the family members

of individuals who have committed suicide, as well as measures to prevent suicides, along with public awareness drives targeting citizens, communities and related institutions

・ Putting in place of thorough consultation systems by related institutions and organizations・ Provision of venues which facilitate peer support *4.

・ Construction of a network between consultation facilities and services and related institutions

*4 Peer support ··· Peer support refers to the idea of peers who have the same conditions or worries and are in the same position talking to each other about their experiences, sharing their feelings and providing one another with support.

Yokohama City promotes policies which, in addition to ensuring information is shared and managed appropriately via the Internet, promote awareness among citizens (especially children), business operators etc. through a range of opportunities.

● Indigenous peoples● Victims of abduction● Victims of crime● Those who have served prison sentences and

are released from prison● Human trafficking● Harassment● People living in poverty etc.

Violations of human rights via the Internet etc.

Yokohama City promotes policies aimed at ensuring the safety and security of citizens who have been evacuated because of a disaster, putting in place systems of support which give special consideration to women, those in need of assistance in event of a disaster and others.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens・ Implementation of the Yokohama Citizens’ Awareness Survey

・ Reflection of disaster preparedness plans drawn up from the perspectives of consideration for those in need of assistance in event of a disaster and gender equality

・ Implementation, notification and public awareness of disaster drills simulating the operation of evacuation shelters etc.

・ Collaboration and cooperation with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that possess the know how to provide support

Human rights issues connected with disasters

Other issues

In order to solve human rights issues, efforts need to be made not only by Yokohama City’s administrative organs but also by the whole of society, which includes citizens, local organizations and business operators. In addition, there are some business operators with mass media func-tions who can play a major part in generating awareness of these issues. Therefore, by under-standing the significance of human rights issues and taking action, the whole of society, starting with individual citizens, can help make our society a better place, one in which everyone can live fulfilling lives in security while respecting the human rights of others.

❶ Proactive self-enlightenment❷ Interaction with

the discriminated on a personal level

❸ Independent activities through groups etc.

❹ Putting lessons learned into practice in daily life

❶ Initiatives for public awareness and training

❷ Encouraging participation by the discriminated

❸ Initiatives as a region

❶ Eradication of workplace discrimination

❷ Creation of workplaces where everyone can feel comfortable working

❸ Companies as members of the local community

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

・ Enhanced training for city employees and teachers regarding sexual minorities and improved consultation services・ Extra consideration at educational facilities concerning the problems faced by sexual minority children

・ Provision of individual professional consultation services and venues for interaction

・ Collaboration and cooperation with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that possess know how concerning these issues

Creation of human rights networks

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens・ Implementation of the Fact-finding Survey concerning Internet Usage among Children

・ Raising of awareness of ethics and risks when using the Internet through different kinds of projects・ Guidance for school children who use the Internet, awareness-raising activities among guardians,

etc.

・ Ensuring that people know about consultation facilities and services ・ Collaboration and cooperation with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that possess know how

Creation of human rights networks

Section 6 For the Attention of all Citizens, Local Organizations and Business Operators

[Fiscal Year 2016 Human Rights Awareness Poster]

Respecting OthersBecause We Care

Respect for Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 1

All human beings are born

free and equal in dignity and rights.

They are endowed with reason and conscience

and should act towards one another

in a spirit of brotherhood.

Importantpoints

for individualcitizens:

Importantpoints for localorganizations:

Importantpoints for business

operators

Y O K O H A M A

10 11

Sexual minoritiesYokohama City promotes comprehensive policies which seek to end the discrimination, prejudice and daily hardships faced by sexual

minorities, enabling them to live life to the fullest in their own way.

Suicide and the family members of individuals who have committed suicideYokohama City promotes policies which seek to gain a correct understanding of the issue of suicide, which reinforce collaboration and

cooperation between consultation facilities and services and related institutions, and which provide appropriate support.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Survey on the Awareness of Suicide among Yokohama Citizens・ Training and awareness-raising for city employees concerning suicide and the family members

of individuals who have committed suicide, as well as measures to prevent suicides, along with public awareness drives targeting citizens, communities and related institutions

・ Putting in place of thorough consultation systems by related institutions and organizations・ Provision of venues which facilitate peer support *4.

・ Construction of a network between consultation facilities and services and related institutions

*4 Peer support ··· Peer support refers to the idea of peers who have the same conditions or worries and are in the same position talking to each other about their experiences, sharing their feelings and providing one another with support.

Yokohama City promotes policies which, in addition to ensuring information is shared and managed appropriately via the Internet, promote awareness among citizens (especially children), business operators etc. through a range of opportunities.

● Indigenous peoples● Victims of abduction● Victims of crime● Those who have served prison sentences and

are released from prison● Human trafficking● Harassment● People living in poverty etc.

Violations of human rights via the Internet etc.

Yokohama City promotes policies aimed at ensuring the safety and security of citizens who have been evacuated because of a disaster, putting in place systems of support which give special consideration to women, those in need of assistance in event of a disaster and others.

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights Creation of human rights networks

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens・ Implementation of the Yokohama Citizens’ Awareness Survey

・ Reflection of disaster preparedness plans drawn up from the perspectives of consideration for those in need of assistance in event of a disaster and gender equality

・ Implementation, notification and public awareness of disaster drills simulating the operation of evacuation shelters etc.

・ Collaboration and cooperation with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that possess the know how to provide support

Human rights issues connected with disasters

Other issues

In order to solve human rights issues, efforts need to be made not only by Yokohama City’s administrative organs but also by the whole of society, which includes citizens, local organizations and business operators. In addition, there are some business operators with mass media func-tions who can play a major part in generating awareness of these issues. Therefore, by under-standing the significance of human rights issues and taking action, the whole of society, starting with individual citizens, can help make our society a better place, one in which everyone can live fulfilling lives in security while respecting the human rights of others.

❶ Proactive self-enlightenment❷ Interaction with

the discriminated on a personal level

❸ Independent activities through groups etc.

❹ Putting lessons learned into practice in daily life

❶ Initiatives for public awareness and training

❷ Encouraging participation by the discriminated

❸ Initiatives as a region

❶ Eradication of workplace discrimination

❷ Creation of workplaces where everyone can feel comfortable working

❸ Companies as members of the local community

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens

・ Enhanced training for city employees and teachers regarding sexual minorities and improved consultation services・ Extra consideration at educational facilities concerning the problems faced by sexual minority children

・ Provision of individual professional consultation services and venues for interaction

・ Collaboration and cooperation with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that possess know how concerning these issues

Creation of human rights networks

Surveys and fact-finding Promotion of training, education and public awareness

Construction of systems for protecting rights

・ Implementation of the Survey on the Awareness of Human Rights among Yokohama Citizens・ Implementation of the Fact-finding Survey concerning Internet Usage among Children

・ Raising of awareness of ethics and risks when using the Internet through different kinds of projects・ Guidance for school children who use the Internet, awareness-raising activities among guardians,

etc.

・ Ensuring that people know about consultation facilities and services ・ Collaboration and cooperation with organizations connected with human rights and NPOs that possess know how

Creation of human rights networks

Section 6 For the Attention of all Citizens, Local Organizations and Business Operators

[Fiscal Year 2016 Human Rights Awareness Poster]

Respecting OthersBecause We Care

Respect for Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 1

All human beings are born

free and equal in dignity and rights.

They are endowed with reason and conscience

and should act towards one another

in a spirit of brotherhood.

Importantpoints

for individualcitizens:

Importantpoints for localorganizations:

Importantpoints for business

operators

Have you ever encountered anything in the course of daily life that you suspect might be an issue connected with human rights? Or are you are having a hard time understanding how something stands under law? In such cases, please use one of the city’s human rights consultation services. (* Consultations are free and are treated with the strictest confidence.)

* A Human Rights Commissioner will listen to your concerns in person.

Human Rights Consultations

Yokohama Crime Victim Consultation Service provides consultations for a range of issues facing those who have been the victims of crime. * If you have any worries, concerns, issues with mental or physical health or similar problems, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Face-to-face consultations can also be arranged if necessary (reservation required).* This service is available to residents of Yokohama City or those who are working or studying in the city along with their

family members.

Yokohama Crime Victim Consultation Service

Yokohama LGBT Consultation Service provides consultations to sexual minorities (homosexual, transgender etc.), members of their families, teachers who teach sexual minority students, etc. Please also do not hesitate to get in touch if you are confused and struggling to work out your own sexual orientation or identity.

Yokohama LGBT Consultation Service

Abridged Edition

Revised January, 2017

Methods of consultation Days and times consultations are available / contact details etc.

Face-to-face consultations

* When calling, you will first be connected to a private multilingual telephone interpreting service provider, followed by the Legal Affairs Bureau and District Legal Affair Bureau, the administrator of this service.Please ensure to dial the correct number when using this service.

Human rights consultation servicesTelephone consultations

https://www.jinken.go.jp/soudan/PC_AD/0101_en.html

●Foreign Language Human Rights Counseling Service on the Internet

* A Yokohama City employee (social welfare officer) will listen to your concerns over the telephone.

Methods of consultation Days and times consultations are available / contact details etc.

Consultations by telephone

Reservation required

Reservation required

English

https://www.jinken.go.jp/soudan/PC_AD/0101_zh.htmlChinese

* Face-to-face consultations can also be arranged if necessary (reservation required).

* A clinical psychologist (professional counsellor working at an NPO) will listen to your concerns over the telephone.

Methods of consultation Days and times reservation is available / contact details etc.

Face-to-face consultations Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 16:00 – 21:00Sundays 14:00 – 18:00

Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines Revised January, 2017 [Abridged Edition]

Editor / publisher Yokohama City Civic Affairs Bureau Human Rights Division Published March, 2017Minato-cho, Chuo-ku, Yokohama City 231-0017 ☎ 045-671-2718 FAX 045-681-5453Website: http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/shimin/jinken/

Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines

Aiming to create a society

in which each and

every individual shows respect

for the human rights of others

Yokohama City

Basic Awareness of Issues concerning Human Rights

Drawing up the Yokohama City Basic Human Rights Policies and Guidelines

Ways of Thinking behind the Promotion of Human Rights Policies

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・・・・・・4

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S e c t i o n 1

S e c t i o n 2

S e c t i o n 3

Initiatives aimed at promoting Human Rights Policies

Initiatives aimed at tackling a Range of Human Rights Issues

For the Attention of all Citizens, Local Organizations and Business Operators

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・・・・11

S e c t i o n 4

S e c t i o n 5

S e c t i o n 6

Contents

Wednesdays (excluding National Holidays and the end of year / New Year period) 13:00 – 16:00

☎ 045-671-2306Enquiries: Yokohama City Citizens Advice Service

* Reservations for this service can be made at the counter or by telephone from 8:45 a week in advance.

Available languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese and Vietnamese

Monday – Friday (excluding National Holidays and the end of year / New Year period) 9:00 – 17:00●Foreign Language Human Rights Telephone Counseling Service

☎ 0570-090911

Monday – Friday (excluding National Holidays and the end of year / New Year period) 9:00 – 17:00

☎ 045-671-3117

Enquiries: Yokohama City Civic Affairs Bureau Human Rights Division

☎ 045-594- 6160Enquiries: NPO SHIP (commissioned service provider)

Your call will be dealt with in Japanese in the event that your language is unavailable.If you require foreign language interpreting services, please enquire at the Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges (YOKE) Information Corner (TEL: 045-222-1209) etc.