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(Japanese version) Appeal for fax messages to the Osaka Prefectural Government for the continuation of support to HURIGHTS OSAKA Keep alive the exchange base for international human rights information in Osaka April 11, 2008 Since assuming office in February 2008 as the new Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Mr. Toru Hashimoto is spearheading a radical "reform" policy, which includes reviewing and abolishing all existing projects and subsidies to outside organizations in the name of "financial reconstruction." A policy of cutting expenditures for the sake of cost cuts alone, while abandoning "human rights" and "culture" will inevitably lead to the declining quality of life of the citizens. The "Project Team for Reform" created pursuant to the policy published the "tentative plan for the financial reconstruction program" on April 11. According to the plan, financial and personnel support for the Asia Pacific Human Rights Information Center (HURIGHTS OSAKA), which has continued since its establishment in 1994 would be abolished in fiscal 2009. This means cutting all support, including abolishing subsidies and withdrawing staff posted from the Prefectural Government. If the policy is carried out, the continued existence and activities of HURIGHTS OSAKA itself will face a critical situation. HURIGHTS OSAKA has played an important role in linking the citizens of Japan, including that of Osaka and the international community through human rights. It provides opportunities for Japanese citizens to learn from the other areas of Asia and the world, as well as pushes for the spread of international human rights standards. We have started an urgent campaign to send fax messages to the Osaka Prefectural Government to ensure the continued existence of HURIGHTS OSAKA. For that purpose, we are making the following appeal. We want you to send a fax message to Governor Hashimoto calling for continued support to HURIGHTS OSAKA. The messages should arrive by May 31, just before the start of the Prefectural Council session. A message calling just for "continued support to HURIGHTS OSAKA" will be of help, but if you could also mention the role and significance of HURIGHTS OSAKA, the message will have more impact. We believe that fax messages from as many people as possible will become a force to move Osaka Prefecture. As organizers of the campaign, we attached below a list of the important roles HURIGHTS OSAKA has played so far for you to refer to in writing the message to the Osaka Governor. Please write your name, or the name of your organization, and if possible, your title or position. Also, please forward this appeal to anyone who may be interested. We appreciate your cooperation. Send fax message to: The Hon. Toru Hashimoto, Governor of Osaka, c/o Human Rights Office, Policy Planning Dept., Osaka Prefecture Fax No. +81 (0)6-6944-6616 Campaign organizers: Mariko Akuzawa (Associate Professor, University of Hyogo), Yukari Enoi (Staff, Toyonaka Association for Intercultural Activities and Communication), Kwak Jin-woong (Head of Program Section, Korea NGO Center), Kim Dong-hoon (Honorary Professor, Ryukoku University, former Director, HURIGHTS OSAKA), Makoto Kubo (Professor, Osaka Sangyo University), Kenzo Tomonaga (Chief Director, Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute), Masao Niwa (Attorney), Ryuhei Hatsuse (Professor, Kyoto Women's University), Shinji Hamada (Facilitator for Human Rights of Children), Keiko Hariki (Secretary-General, Director, Kansai NGO Council), Satoshi Hirata, (Representative, Asia Volunteer Center), Minoru Mori (Professor, Osaka Kyoiku University), Koshi Yamazaki (Professor, Niigata Law School, Niigata University), Yoko Yoshida (Attorney) Further inquiries regarding this campaign: Mariko Akuzawa ( akuzawamariko@r5.dion.ne.jp ) The Important Roles Played by HURIGHTS OSAKA (1) HURIGHTS OSAKA has contributed to the dissemination of human rights according to international standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, through seminars, workshops and publications. The idea of international human rights has spread to citizens of Osaka, companies, local governments and civil society organizations. (2) HURIGHTS OSAKA disseminates information on international human rights both in and outside of the country through its website and regular publications, such as the Kokusai Jinken Hiroba, Asia Pacific Human Rights Review, FOCUS Asia-Pacific and Human Rights Education in Asian Schools. (3) HURIGHTS OSAKA works closely with the UN and UNESCO to provide information to the civil society on the activities in the international community. (4) HURIGHTS OSAKA has cooperated with the national human rights institutions, government organizations, researchers and human rights organizations in Asia to spread the idea of human rights. Through these efforts, it has introduced the latest information on international human rights education to Osaka and Japan. (5) HURIGHTS OSAKA continues to raise awareness to promote multi-cultural co-existence based on human rights in Japan. (6) HURIGHTS OSAKA has promoted dialogues and joint research of significance not just in Japan but also in civil societies in other areas in Asia. In particular, the projects on human rights education in Asian schools, which it has been working on for the last ten years, have promoted interdisciplinary and international joint research with civil society organizations, researchers, people working in education and administration engaging in dialogue and sharing information as well as experience. The outcome is shared and has become an asset not just in Japan but also with other areas in Asia. (7) HURIGHTS OSAKA contributes to spread the image of Osaka as an International Human Rights City in Asia and around the world. HURIGHTS OSAKA has been awarded Honorable Mention of the UNESCO Prize for Human Rights Education 2000. For further information on HURIGHTS OSAKA: http://www.hurights.or.jp Newsclip Japan Times, Friday, March 28, 2008 Hashimoto's cost-cutting plans under fire Osaka governor's political skills questioned by bureaucrats, politicians Send e-mail message to: The Hon. Toru Hashimoto, Governor of Osaka, c/o Human Rights Office, Policy Planning Dept., Osaka Prefecture E-mail: jinken@sbox.pref.osaka.lg.jp |