- The Houses of Representatives today approved a set of government-sponsored
war contingency bills by an overwhelming majority supported by ruling parities,
as well as the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and the Liberal Party. The bills
will be sent to the House of Councillors. The bills are the first legislation
concerning the security of the nation supported by opposition parties since the
end of World War II.
- The bills that were presented to the Diet April last year contained various
problems and defects. Therefore, Rengo had critical views on and was opposed to
the bills, while recognising that legislation governing a contingency was needed.
Counterproposals presented to the House of Representatives by the DPJ late April
this year were more agreeable than government-sponsored ones in the following
aspects:
| a) |
They propose the enactment of a basic law providing a comprehensive system
and rules to respond to an emergency; |
| b) |
They call for the creation of a new crisis and disaster management body; |
| c) |
They protect basic human rights; |
| d) |
They guarantee a democratic control by the Diet; |
| e) |
They clarify the definition and conditions of a contingency; |
| f) |
They require the Government to disclosure information; |
| g) |
They limit the scope of 'designated public organisations'. |
- The House of Representatives discussed and endorsed the bills, respecting
the DPJ's demands in amending them to include provisions aimed at protecting human
rights in emergency situations. However, there are still questions remaining to
be clarified so that further deliberations are needed on individual laws. As representing
workers working for local governments and the designated organisations in aviation,
transport, communications and news media sectors, Rengo must work harder, in particular
to protect their lives and rights from orders of the central government.
- Rengo would demand that such concerns be well discussed throughout deliberation
of the House of Councillors in order for necessary measures to be taken to have
understanding and agreement of people.
Furthermore, as foreign security policy on the basis of the international cooperation
must be given the highest priority in order to avoid a situation to which this
legislation needs to be applied, Rengo will make its own effort within the framework
of the international trade union movement.
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