Buraku Problem Q&A
Many journalists, researchers and students from abroad come to visit us at the BLHRRI. Although they come from different parts of the world, they come to us to learn more about Buraku problems and ask for much information. Among the many questions asked us, we picked out those most frequently asked in these occasions, and will try to answer them as a new series of"Q&A"in this news letter. We hope this will be a help in understanding Buraku problems.
Q What is the report of 'Dowa Policy council?
A The government did not formulate any policies for the Buraku problems for more than ten years after the World War II. Because of that, the National Convention was formed and led by the Buraku Liberation League in January, 1958, and demanded that the government deliberate the Buraku problems as a national policy.
The Liberal Democratic Party, the Japan Socialist Party, and the Japan Comminist party sent their representatives to the Convention. Later, the demanding movement was developed and the Buraku problems have got national concern.
Responding to the movement, the government held the Cabinet Members Meeting forthe Dowa problem and the bill aimmed at establishing the Dowa Policy Council was passed by the Diet.
The council is an organization that reserches and discusses the Buraku Problems seriously. The council was inquired of by the Prime Minester regarding fundamental policies to resolve the various socio-economic issues about the Dowa districts. Five years later, it submitted a report in August 1965.
The report was an epoch in the history of the Buraku Liberation. It clearly states that the Dowa problems involve the issues related to the universal principle of the freedom and the equality for all humankind, and the problems concerning Fundamental Human Rights which the Japanese Constitution ensures. It also says that the Buraku problems should not be left unsolved and that solving the problems are the responsibility of Japan and the task of its citizens.
It states that the origin of the Buraku is the social status system dating back to the feudal era, and that the reason for keeping the Buraku problems is the double structure of the industrial economy of Japan which reflects its social andcultural system. The Buraku problem does not exist.,or'The problem will be disappear naturally by just leaving it as it is. '
It says that there are two different kinds of discrimination, psychological ans actual, which make the vicious circle of creating discrimination by one affecting the other. The report asserts that equal opportunity for employment and education is the way to break the vicious circle of discrimination. It also summarizes the history of the Dowa Administration with deep regret.
'Measures taken by the government has been stimulated by the serious demand and the grass roots movement of the residents of the Dowa districts who have seriously suffered from discrimination since the Meije Era until now, and it was usually used as an appeasement to respond to them. It also critisizes the insufficient legal control over Buraku discrimination, against which victims cannot take any actions.
The report finally suggests which direction the Dowa Administration should take. It suggests the enactment of the Law on Spatial Measures for the Dowa Project, enpowerment of the National Financial Treatment, and the establishment of the General Annual Project.
The report indicates the basic understanding of the Buraku problems (and the Dowa Administration), summarizes the history, and sets out the direction for the future. The report offers a lot that can be learned as a reference for the complete resolution of the Buraku problems and for the Dowa Administration.