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 Please explain about a Fundamental Law for Buraku Liberation.
A There have been three kinds of laws enacted in turn since 1969 up to the present aimed to solve Buraku problem; namely the Law on Special Measures for Dowa Projects, the Law on Special Measures for Regional Improvement, and the Law Regarding the Special Fiscal Measures of the Government for Regional Improvement Projects.
The implementation of the laws contributed to improve in living environment of Buraku areas to a certain extent. However, we cannot find considerable improvement in enrollment ratio to schools of higher grade and stable employment of Buraku people.
In addition, the laws were not so efficient to eliminate discriminatory incidents and consciousness. As a matter of fact, characteristics of the government policy in solving the discrimination lasting over the centuries has been constant since prewar period in terms of setting a short term for each of the three laws. Among others, the Law on Special Measures for Regional Improvement enacted in April 1982 appeared no to bring a complete solution of Buraku problem due to its character of merely paying attention to settle remaining projects.
In reaction to the government policy, a Fundamental Law for Buraku Liberation was drafted and released in May 1985 by the Central Executive Committee for the National Movement to Demand for a Legislation of a Fundamental Law for Buraku Liberation. The committee is presided by Mr Ohtani, head priest of the Jodoshinshu Honganji sect of Buddhism, and joined by members from Buraku labor, business, academic, education, religious, and other circles.
The draft bill has two main objectives as below. The one is to solve Buraku problem quickly and fundamentally, including eliminating discriminatory incidents and consciousness as well as improving environment. The other is to create discrimination-free society. Tackling the Buraku Problem will necessarily lead to Elimination of all forms of discrimination. In order to attain these objectives, the Fundamental Law proposes as follows.
----The government must improve poor conditions as a result of discrimination by special and active measures, such as, improvement of living conditions, promotion of social welfare, public hygiene, agriculture, forestry, small and medium-sized enterprises in Buraku areas as well as employment, school and social education for Buraku people.
----The government must eliminate discriminatory consciousness and enhance ideas about human rights through systematic education and enlightenment.
----The government must regulate vicious behaviors of discrimination, such as, family background investigations and discrimination in employment relations against Buraku people. In addition, the government must form a human rights committee to establish a relief system for the victims of the discrimination.
With regards to legal measures to regulate the activities of such private agencies, there are several ordinance enacted in local government level. Osaka Prefecture enacted in 1985 the Ordinance to Regulate Personal Investigation Conductive to Buraku Discrimination.
The law drafted also urges the government to investigate actual conditions of Buraku areas every five years and to set up the Buraku Liberation Deliberation Council consisted of individuals of learning and experience with regard to Buraku discrimination that would recommend its opinions for the solution of Buraku problem. At present, wide range of National Movement for the Fundamental Law for Buraku Liberation has been deployed.