Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Japan (Ratification: 1932)

1. The Committee in its last observation discussed at some length the extent of the mandate of the Committee in respect of the two historical breaches by the Government of the Convention relating to the Second World War and the years leading up to it; namely military sexual slavery referred to as the "comfort women" and wartime industrial forced labour. The Committee concluded in each case that it had no mandate to rule on the legal effect of the bilateral and multilateral treaties and whether they extinguished individual claims for compensation; it refers to its previous observation on the Convention. The Committee in all the circumstances asked the Government to inform it of any future decisions, legislation or government action in respect to the long-running claims being made by the victims. The Committee also suggested that the Conference Committee "may wish to consider whether to look at the matter on a tripartite basis".

2. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in a lengthy report on 14 January 2003, responding to the observations of the Committee. In its report the Government reiterates its point of view on the legal issues; refers to the expressions of apologies and remorse which have already been made; refers to the activities undertaken by the Asian Women’s Fund and provided information on the results of past proceedings before various judicial bodies.

3. The Committee also notes that during the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards in June 2003, whilst there was some general discussion in response to the observation of this Committee, the Conference Committee did not include this issue for examination in more detail on a tripartite basis.

4. Subsequently, the following communications have been received, namely:

-  comments made by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KTCU) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), received on 8 September 2003;

-  comments made by the All Japan Shipbuilding and Engineering Union, received on 29 August 2003;

-  comments made by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO), received on 30 September 2003.

5. A report is due from the Government in relation to this Convention in 2004 and the Committee requests the Government at that time to comment on the above communications and any changes occurring in relation to further decisions, legislation or Government action on these issues.