法人別リリース

台風19号　被災地への緊急支援　被災地へボランティアを集結！

日本財団 — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 17:55:59 +0900

2019年10月15日
公益財団法人日本財団
台風19号　被災地への緊急支援被災地へボランティアを集結！
報道関係各位

10月12日から13日にかけて東海と関東、甲信越、東北地方を襲った台風19号は各地に甚大な被害をもたらしています。
日本財団（会長：笹川陽平）は、被災地支援に実績のある専門チームを現地に派遣して復旧作業に取り組むとともに、3つの支援策を実施します。

1. 被災地ボランティア　活動支援
（１）NPO・ボランティア団体への支援金
　　　被災地支援に実績のある団体の活動に対して、上限100万円の支援金を提供します。
　　　　①災害支援の実績（過去3回以上、かつ1回あたり1カ月以上継続）のある団体
　　　　②被災地域に拠点をおく団体（台風19号・15号）等への支援
　　　募集は10月17日(木)に開始します。
　　　募集要項は同日に当財団の公式ウェブサイトで公開します。
（２）学生ボランティアの派遣
　　　日本財団学生ボランティアセンター（通称：Gakuvo）を通じて、
　　　被災地への泥かきボランティアを実施します。
　　　第一陣は10月19日(土)に千葉県南房総地域へ派遣される予定です。
　　　
（３）アスリートによるボランティア活動
　　　アスリートによる社会貢献活動を促進する「HEROs Sportsmanship for the future」
　　　プロジェクトでは、アスリートが参加するボランティア活動を計画中。
　　　支援の輪を広げていきます。
　　　関連リンク：広島での支援活動 https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/who/news/pr/2018/20181018-9936.html

2. 住宅・事業再建資金のための融資制度の創設
　　今回の災害により、工場、店舗、施設などへの被害により、
　　地域の経済活動が大きな打撃を受けました。
　　また多数の住宅が浸水による被害を受けています。
　　被災した中小企業が金融機関から資金を借り入れる場合、
　　借入金の利子について日本財団が補給する制度を設置します。
　　また、被災された方の住宅についても借入金（自己資金分）の
　　利子補給の提供を計画しています。詳細は今後、
　　被災した自治体と協議をしながら制度設計を行います。
　　関連リンク：熊本・大分県で実施した金融支援制度 http://blog.canpan.info/nfkouhou/archive/774

3. 避難所等への非常用トイレ支援
　　今までの災害支援の経験から、避難所や福祉施設等で必要とされることが
　　予想される非常用トイレの配備を行います。
　　第一弾は本日、宮城県丸森町への配備を実施します。
関連リンク：熊本での支援実績http://blog.canpan.info/nfkouhou/archive/692

また、当財団ではボランティア活動支援のため、「支援金」の寄付を受け付けています。「支援金」は、災害直後の被災者の困難な生活を支えるため、現地で活動するNPOやボランティア団体の活動の支援に活用します。「支援金」の呼びかけに、ご協力をお願い申し上げます。
※ご寄付頂いた支援金は間接経費を頂かず、全額を被災地の支援に活用します。
※支援を行った団体名、支援金額、活動内容はすべて公式ウェブサイト上で公開するとともに、全件監査を実施致します。

ボランティア活動支援金寄付先

銀行振込先
銀行名：三菱ＵＦＪ銀行（0005）
支店名：本店
預金種別：普通
口座番号：1660782
口座名（漢字）：公益財団法人日本財団
口座名（カナ）：ザイ）ニッポンザイダン

ゆうちょ銀行振込先
銀行名：ゆうちょ銀行（9900）
口座記号番号：00160-0-00266041
口座名（漢字）：公益財団法人日本財団
口座名（カナ）：ザイ）ニッポンザイダン

■クレジットカード寄付
https://kifu.www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/dras/

＜参考＞「支援金」と「義援金」の違い
日本財団が募る「支援金」は、すぐに被災地の支援に役立てられる点が大きな特徴。
一方、日本赤十字社へ寄託される「義援金」は、被災地（都道府県、市町村）毎に被災状況を概算で算定の上、
被災者へ見舞金として届けられるもの。

「支援金」
・被災地での救命・復旧活動に使われる。
・被災地からのニーズに対して支援団体が各自の判断と責任において柔軟に使用するため、被災地にすぐに届く。　

「義援金」
･被災者に公平・平等に配分されるため、被災地での救命・復旧活動に迅速には使われない。
･被災者数、被害状況などの正確な情報を把握した後に均等に配分されるため、時間がかかる。

参考：日本財団ウェブサイト「支援金と義援金の違い」
https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/what/projects/disaster_fund/infographics

被災地の復旧・復興のためには外部からの支援が必要です。
広く周知くださいますよう、お願い申し上げます。

以上

AbemaTV『10億円会議supported by日本財団』連動企画『10億円会議キャンペーン』を2月1日（金）より開始

日本財団 — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +0900

2019年2月1日
公益財団法人日本財団
AbemaTV新番組『10億円会議supported by日本財団』連動企画
社会課題を解決するアイデアを募集する
『10億円会議キャンペーン』を2月1日（金）より開始
　日本財団（会長：笹川陽平）は、株式会社AbemaTV（アベマティーヴィー・代表取締役社長：藤田晋）とともに、同社が運営する“無料で楽しめるインターネットテレビ局”「AbemaTV」において、新レギュラー番組『10億円会議 supported by 日本財団』を、1月15日（火）より放送開始いたしました。
　このたび、番組の連動企画として、2月1日（金）より『10億円会議キャンペーン』を開始いたします。

　本番組では「社会の課題を解決し、世の中に変革を起こす提案」を募集。優れた案には日本財団が用意した総額10億円から活動資金を提供するというものです。参加者は審査員5名に対してアイデアをプレゼンテーションし、全員の心を掴むと「合格」となり資金獲得の機会を得られます（※別途、日本財団にて審査を行います）。

　『10億円会議キャンペーン』では、社会の課題を解決するアイデアをTwitterで募集します。ハッシュタグ「＃にっぽんざいだん」を付けてアイデアをツイートしていただくと、良いアイデアに対してキャンペーンの公式アカウントから「いいね」やリツイートなどのアクションをいたします。また、投稿していただいたアイデアの一部は、同日より公開する本キャンペーンの特設サイト（URL：https://nipponfoundation-billion.jp/）にも掲載されます。

　さらに、同日に本番組とキャンペーンの広告を日本経済新聞朝刊および渋谷憲章シート広告に掲出いたします。

日本経済新聞朝刊広告デザイン

渋谷憲章シート広告デザイン

『10億円会議キャンペーン』概要 ●キャンペーン期間：
2019年2月1日（金）からスタート

●参加方法：
Twitterでハッシュタグ「＃にっぽんざいだん」を付けて、社会の課題を解決するアイデアを投稿。

●注意事項：
・キャンペーンの参加にはTwitterへの登録（無料）が必要です。
・本キャンペーンは番組への応募を兼ねておりません。番組にアイデアを提案されたい方は、番組ホームページの募集要項をご覧の上、ご応募ください。

新聞広告・屋外広告について＜新聞広告＞
掲載紙：日本経済新聞　朝刊（全国版）
掲載日：2019年2月1日（金）
体裁：15段・カラー

＜屋外広告＞
掲出日：2019年2月1日（金）～14日（木）
掲出場所：渋谷憲章シート広告（JR渋谷駅　ハチ公園口前）
　※ご覧になる際は通行の妨げにならないようご注意ください。
　※駅、及び駅員へのお問合せはご遠慮ください。

AbemaTV新レギュラー番組『10億円会議 supported by 日本財団』番組概要放送日時：毎週火曜 23:30～0:00　※放送終了後7日間は無料で視聴できます

放送チャンネル：AbemaSPECIALチャンネル
番組URL：https://abe.ma/2GdeJEm
メインMC：デーモン閣下

｢AbemaTV｣新レギュラー番組『10億円会議supported by日本財団』～メインMCにデーモン閣下が決定～

日本財団 — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:00:00 +0900

2019年1月9日
公益財団法人日本財団
｢AbemaTV｣新レギュラー番組
『10億円会議supported by日本財団』
1月15日（火）23:30から放送開始
～メインMCにデーモン閣下が決定～
　日本財団（会長：笹川陽平）は、株式会社AbemaTV（アベマティーヴィー・代表取締役社長：藤田晋）とともに、同社が運営するインターネットテレビ局「AbemaTV」において、“社会の課題を解決し、世の中に変革を起こす事業を生み出したい”人を応援する新レギュラー番組『10億円会議 supported by 日本財団』を、1月15日（火）23:30より放送開始いたします。

　本番組は、「社会の課題を解決し、世の中に変革を起こす提案」を募集し、日本財団が用意した総額10億円をもとに、優れた案に対し活動資金を提供するというものです。一般参加者は、さまざまなジャンルのスペシャリストからなる審査員5名に対して自らの案をプレゼンテーションし、全員の心を掴むと「合格」となり資金獲得の機会を得られます（※別途、日本財団にて審査を行います）。

　メインMCにはアーティストのデーモン閣下が決定。番組開始に際しデーモン閣下は「第1回目から非常にユニークな提案者が続々と押しかけ、会議の場は議論沸騰となり、面白いことになった。ぜひ見逃さずに見て、かつ『自分だったら、こういうプランでこの番組に臨んでみようじゃないか』という諸君を求めている」とコメントを寄せています。

　審査員には、お笑いコンビ・ますだおかだの岡田圭右さんをはじめ、元NHKアナウンサーの堀潤さん、ファッションデザイナーの渋谷ザニーさん、キャバクラ嬢・モデル・女性経営者と数々の肩書を持つ桜井野の花さん、19歳で起業した“ギャル社長”の藤田志穂さん、評論家の古谷経衡さんなど、個性豊かな顔ぶれが集結。参加者の提案を様々な角度から審議します。

　放送開始に伴い、番組内では株式会社サイバーエージェント代表の藤田晋氏と日本財団会長の笹川陽平による対談が行われました。藤田氏は「日本財団のような支援の仕方があるというのを若い人は知らないと思う。だから、若い人が多く見ている『AbemaTV』の番組で知って欲しい」と意気込みを語り、これに応え笹川は「これからの若い世代の人に社会を盛り上げてほしい。『我々も何かしないといけない』という気持ちになってもらえれば大変ありがたい」と話しました。

　さまざまな社会課題の解決に取り組む日本財団は、本番組を通じて、新たな、かつ多様な課題解決の担い手と出会えることを期待しています。新レギュラー番組『10億円会議 supported by 日本財団』は毎週火曜23:30からの放送です。ぜひ、ご覧ください。

■AbemaTV新レギュラー番組『10億円会議 supported by 日本財団』番組概要
初回放送日時：2019年1月15日（火）23:30～0:00
放送日時：毎週火曜 23:30～0:00　※無料で放送終了後7日間視聴できます
放送チャンネル：AbemaSPECIALチャンネル
番組URL：https://abema.tv/channels/abema-special/slots/9pGVajpDogBGCf
出演者：メインMC：デーモン閣下
　　　　サブMC：傳谷（でんや）英里香
　　　　審査員：岡田圭右(ますだおかだ）、桜井野の花、渋谷ザニー、古谷経衡、藤田志穂、堀潤

※本番組では引き続き、“社会の課題を解決し、世の中に変革を起こす事業を生み出したい”という熱い想いを持った方の参加を募集しています。「日本からイジメを無くすために、“イジメはかっこ悪い”という内容の曲をトップアイドルに歌ってもらいたい」、「生活の困りごとを抱える高齢者のために、スマートフォンを配って便利な使い方を教えてあげたい」など、皆様からの様々な提案をお待ちしております。詳細は、番組URLをご覧ください。

番組URL

Ceasefire Agreement between Myanmar Government and Ethnic Armed Organizations

The Nippon Foundation — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:00:40 +0900

TOKYO, Oct. 16, 2015 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Foundation

Ceasefire Agreement between Myanmar Government and Ethnic Armed Organizations

-Statement from The Nippon Foundation on Step toward Peace -

Representatives of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and eight ethnic armed organizations signed a ceasefire agreement on October 15 at a ceremony in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Along with Thailand, China, India, the United Nations, and the European Union, Japan, which has promoted dialog among the parties involved and provided humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions, was a witness to the signing. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, attended the ceremony and signed the agreement in his capacity as Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar. Following the signing, The Nippon Foundation released the following statement.

Statement regarding Myanmar Ceasefire Agreement
Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation

I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached on the 15th of October, 2015 between the Government of Myanmar and the eight ethnic armed organizations.

I would like to commend both the Government of Myanmar and the ethnic armed organizations for having continued to pursue dialogue and deepen mutual trust to date, in the process of peacebuilding undertaken in Myanmar.

The signing of this ceasefire agreement is an important step toward achieving peace and stability in Myanmar. Today, many are still forced to live under harsh and insecure conditions. I would like to call on all parties to make efforts to ensure that the peace process in Myanmar will move forward.

For decades, The Nippon Foundation has supported efforts to improve the welfare of the people of Myanmar. In recent years, in addition to activities in such fields as education, agriculture, medicine, and support for people with disabilities, we have been extending humanitarian support to the victims of civil strife. In line with our commitment to lasting peace in Myanmar, The Nippon Foundation will continue to provide support to better the lives of those in conflict-affected communities.

Please visit The Nippon Foundation's website for more information regarding the Foundation's activities in Myanmar.
http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/en/what/projects/myanmar/

Source: Nippon Foundation

Ceasefire Agreement between Myanmar Government and Ethnic Armed Organizations

The Nippon Foundation — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:00:28 +0900

TOKYO, Oct. 16, 2015 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Foundation

Ceasefire Agreement between Myanmar Government and Ethnic Armed Organizations
-Statement from The Nippon Foundation on Step toward Peace -

Representatives of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and eight ethnic armed organizations signed a ceasefire agreement on October 15 at a ceremony in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Along with Thailand, China, India, the United Nations, and the European Union, Japan, which has promoted dialog among the parties involved and provided humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions, was a witness to the signing. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, attended the ceremony and signed the agreement in his capacity as Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar. Following the signing, The Nippon Foundation released the following statement.

Statement regarding Myanmar Ceasefire Agreement
Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation

I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached on the 15th of October, 2015 between the Government of Myanmar and the eight ethnic armed organizations.

I would like to commend both the Government of Myanmar and the ethnic armed organizations for having continued to pursue dialogue and deepen mutual trust to date, in the process of peacebuilding undertaken in Myanmar.

The signing of this ceasefire agreement is an important step toward achieving peace and stability in Myanmar. Today, many are still forced to live under harsh and insecure conditions. I would like to call on all parties to make efforts to ensure that the peace process in Myanmar will move forward.

For decades, The Nippon Foundation has supported efforts to improve the welfare of the people of Myanmar. In recent years, in addition to activities in such fields as education, agriculture, medicine, and support for people with disabilities, we have been extending humanitarian support to the victims of civil strife. In line with our commitment to lasting peace in Myanmar, The Nippon Foundation will continue to provide support to better the lives of those in conflict-affected communities.

Please visit The Nippon Foundation's website for more information regarding the Foundation's activities in Myanmar.
http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/en/what/projects/myanmar/

Source: Nippon Foundation

Nippon Foundation Nereus Program Reveals Critical State of World's Oceans in 2050

The Nippon Foundation — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:39:05 +0900

TOKYO, June 30 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Foundation

Nippon Foundation Nereus Program Reveals Critical State of World's Oceans in 2050

A press conference was held on June 30, 2015, to announce the release of a new report about the sustainability of global marine fisheries in the 21st century titled "Predicting Future Oceans."

The report is a product of the Nippon Foundation - UBC Nereus Program. It notes that continued CO2 emissions are leading to changes in ocean temperature, acidity and oxygen levels that have been unprecedented over the last several thousand years. These changes in ocean conditions will affect biological productivity in the ocean, impacting organisms ranging from plankton to fishes. Along with overfishing and habitat destruction, climate change is anticipated to lead to a decline in fisheries in many regions and alterations of marine biodiversity and food web structure. While aquaculture will play a role in providing a source of marine protein for a growing global population, the long-term ecological and social sustainability of aquaculture is unclear. An improved framework for global ocean governance will be needed to ensure sustainable fisheries in the future.

At the press conference, Associate Professor William Cheung from UBC who is also one of the Co-Directors of the Nereus Program said that "the types of fish we will have on our dinner table will be very different in a few decades from now." He further said that "fisheries will be catching more warm-water species and smaller fish, thus fish supply through both domestic and overseas fisheries as well as imported fish will be affected."

The Nereus Program is an interdisciplinary ocean research initiative in which the Nippon Foundation is collaborating with seven institutes around the world, including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Princeton University. As the world's only comprehensive research program focusing on the future of the oceans, approximately 30 fellows and 14 researchers are carrying out interdisciplinary research, covering a wide range of topics from climate to international law. Some of the results have already been published in numerous academic journals, including "Science."

For more information, including the full report visit:
http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/en/news/articles/2015/

Source: Nippon Foundation

Nippon Foundation Establishes Support Center; 10 Billion Japanese Yen to Support Paralympics

The Nippon Foundation — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:00:05 +0900

TOKYO, June 2 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Foundation

Nippon Foundation Establishes Support Center; 10 Billion Japanese Yen to Support Paralympics

A press conference was held on June 2, 2015, to announce the launch of The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center, which will support the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The Tokyo 2020 Games will never be a success without the success of the Paralympic. The Nippon Foundation will donate 10 billion Japanese yen to promote the Paralympic Movement in supporting the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC), National para-sport Federations (NFs) and para-athletes.

The Support Center will be chaired by Yasushi Yamawaki, President of JPC. Yoshiro Mori, President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, has agreed to serve as Supreme Advisor to the Support Center, and Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation and Yoichi Masuzoe, Governor of Tokyo have been named as Special Advisors. In addition, Mitsunori Torihara, Chairman of JPC, serves as a Support Center Counselor. The Support Center will bring together a wide range of advisors, presenting an All-Japan team for hosting a successful Paralympics.
Sports for athletes with impairments were previously governed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, but in 2014, primary jurisdiction was transferred to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), alongside general sports, with both the JPC and JOC receiving funds from MEXT. Reinforcement of the organizational base of NFs, which enables NFs to receive funds for their activities, is an urgent issue to be dealt with. The Support Center will supply offices to NFs at the Support Center and also provide various services in supporting management and governance of NFs.

The Support Center will also endeavor to create an environment where para-athletes can concentrate on their sports, train qualified volunteers for Paralympics, raise public awareness of Paralympics, and conduct academic research, and will also consider supporting para-sports in developing countries.

At the press conference, which was attended by President Mori, MEXT Minister Hakubun Shimomura, and Governor Masuzoe, Mr. Yamawaki explained the Support Center's planned activities.

The Support Center will contribute to the promotion of the Paralympic Movement, which is connected to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics will change social perceptions, remove barriers in people's minds towards impairment and will be a gateway to an equitable, comfortable and inclusive society.

For more information: http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/en/what/projects/paralympic/

Source: Nippon Foundation

U.N. Conference in Sendai Adopts Action Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction Incorporating

The Nippon Foundation — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:15:56 +0900

TOKYO, Mar. 19 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

U.N. Conference in Sendai Adopts Action Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction Incorporating Disability-inclusive Perspectives
The third U.N. World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held from March 14 to 18, 2015, in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, focusing one of its working sessions on "disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction" for the first time. The Post-Hyogo Framework for Action adopted at the Sendai conference incorporated the need for disaster management measures inclusive of persons with disabilities and expected to be reflected in future disaster management measures of member states and an important milestone for disability inclusion in international development frameworks such as the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be adopted next fall.

The first meeting of the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Yokohama in 1994 issued the "Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World" and the second conference held in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, in 2005, adopted the "Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015."

In the Sendai conference, about 350 side events were held in addition to working sessions and about 10,000 persons attended, including U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It adopted the "Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030," following the Hyogo framework.

In the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake it was reported that the death rate was two times higher among persons with disabilities compared to the residents in general. This was the first time that the disproportion in risk was confirmed by numbers. The importance of disability-inclusive disaster management has been gaining recognition around the world. It is against this backdrop that the UN World Conference on DRR took this up as one of the themes of its working session for the first time.

"The number of persons with disabilities amount to 15% of the world population or as many as 1 billion," said Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation who has held international conferences on disaster risk reduction in seven cities in the world and was instrumental in realizing a working session on the subject. With a new framework for action allowing all persons with disabilities to participate adopted, "not only will human suffering in disasters be reduced but it will open up new opportunities for disability inclusive post-disaster recovery," he added.

For the details:
http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/en/news/articles/2015/3.html

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Nurses Call for End to Leprosy Discrimination

The Nippon Foundation — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:30:17 +0900

TOKYO, Jan. 27 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Nurses Call for End to Leprosy Discrimination

The Nippon Foundation and the International Council of Nurses jointly released Global Appeal 2015 in Tokyo on Jan. 27, calling for an end to the discrimination that people affected by leprosy continue to face in many parts of the world. It is the first time that the annual Global Appeal, now in its tenth year, has been launched from Japan.

As the world's largest group of health professionals, nurses are committed to alleviating physical and mental suffering of all people, without prejudice, and recognize the importance of educating the public about disease-especially a misunderstood disease such as leprosy.

"Our message is clear: leprosy can be cured. Drugs kill the bacteria. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent disability. There is no reason to isolate anyone with the disease," they stated in the appeal.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who attended the launching ceremony, said, touching upon the history of the isolation policy which fostered discrimination, "We will make efforts to help people still in sanatoriums live comfortably and peacefully and resolve discrimination and prejudice against leprosy."

Each year, over 200,000 new cases of leprosy are diagnosed around the world. Although the disease is completely curable, people with leprosy and even members of their families continue to face discrimination, affecting their prospects for education, employment, marriage and full participation in society.

To draw attention to this issue, the Global Appeal was initiated in 2006 by Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation and also WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and Japanese Government Goodwill Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by Leprosy.

To date, the appeal has been endorsed by influential individuals and organizations including Nobel Peace Prize winners, faith leaders, the World Medical Association, the International Bar Association and now the nursing profession, who underscored the key message of Global Appeal 2015 with the words:  "We support the right of people affected by leprosy to live in dignity as full members of the community, enjoying equal access to all their human rights."

The Nippon Foundation is a committed partner in the fight against leprosy, conveying the message that leprosy is curable and treatment is free, and working toward the goal of a world without leprosy and the discrimination it causes.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Morocco Symposium Tackles Issue of Stigma and Discrimination Associated with Leprosy

The Nippon Foundation — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:00:35 +0900

TOKYO, Nov. 4 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Morocco Symposium Tackles Issue of Stigma and Discrimination Associated with Leprosy

A recent symposium in Morocco on leprosy and human rights was an opportunity for Naima Azzouzi to speak publicly for the first time about the disease she was diagnosed with at the age of 9. Azzouzi is the president of an association of people affected by leprosy in Morocco formed earlier this year to fight the stigma and discrimination that she and others like her face.

"I want to thank the organizers for hosting this event. It is the first time we have been able to convey our feelings," she told an audience of government officials, human rights experts, NGOs, and people affected by leprosy in Rabat on October 28. "We want people to know we have fundamental human rights."

Sponsored by the Nippon Foundation, the symposium was the fourth in a series taking place in different regions of the world to disseminate Principles and Guidelines for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and Their Family Members endorsed by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2010.

Although leprosy is completely curable, deep-rooted stigma and discrimination associated with the disease remain widespread. For those affected, this can mean living on the margins of society, where opportunities for education, employment and access to public services are severely curtailed.

"Even though you may be medically cured, you still have the disease as long as there is stigma and discrimination," Alem Galeta, a board member of the Ethiopian National Association of People Affected by Leprosy, told the gathering.

Previous symposia have been held in Brazil, India and Ethiopia. At the first symposium in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, an International Working Group was established to develop a plan to ensure that governments put the Principles and Guidelines into effect.

Barbara Frey, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Human Rights and a member of the working group, noted that the Principles and Guidelines are rooted in the UN Charter. "This global commitment to human rights cannot be achieved if the rights of any particular group of people are not fully respected and protected."

The International Working Group will issue its recommendations at the fifth and final symposium to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in June 2015.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Sasakawa Wins IBA Rule of Law Award for Efforts to End Leprosy Discrimination

The Nippon Foundation — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 17:00:27 +0900

TOKYO, Oct. 23 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Sasakawa Wins IBA Rule of Law Award for Efforts to End Leprosy Discrimination

The International Bar Association, the world's leading body of legal professionals, bar associations and law societies, has presented its Rule of Law Award to Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of the Nippon Foundation, for his efforts to end discrimination against people affected by leprosy.

The award, which is conferred in recognition of outstanding contributions by an individual toward international justice, human rights and the rule of law, was presented to Sasakawa in Tokyo on October 23 during the 2014 IBA Annual Conference.

Sasakawa, who is also the WHO's Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and the Japanese Government Goodwill Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by Leprosy, has made eliminating leprosy and upholding the human rights of those affected by the disease his life's work.

Under his leadership, the Nippon Foundation funded free treatment of leprosy worldwide for five years from 1995 - a role since assumed by Novartis. From 2003, he took up leprosy as a human rights issue with the United Nations. With the support of the Japanese government, he helped pave the way for the UN General Assembly to adopt a resolution for Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and their Family Members in 2010.

Commenting on the choice of recipient, IBA President Michael Reynolds said, "It is a privilege to both celebrate and honor Mr. Sasakawa's dedication to world justice with this award." Sasakawa said he received the award "together with men and women affected by leprosy, who are, as we speak, taking a stand to end the stigma and discrimination against them and reclaim their rightful place in society."

Leprosy is treated with multidrug therapy (MDT). Some 16 million people have been cured since MDT was introduced in the 1980s.

Although leprosy is curable, the age-old stigma attached to it continues to result in social discrimination. People can find their access to education, employment and public services severely curtailed because they have, or once had, the disease.

In 2013, 215,656 new cases of leprosy were reported worldwide. Most cases of leprosy are detected in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Three countries - India, Brazil and Indonesia - account for over 80% of the total.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

International Symposium in Fukushima Comes Up with Recommendations to Government

The Nippon Foundation — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:33:11 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 11 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

International Symposium in Fukushima Comes Up with Recommendations to Government

- Proper Health and Mental Support Called for Local Residents -

The Nippon Foundation held an International Expert Symposium on September 8 and 9, 2014, in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, on the theme "Beyond Radiation and Health Risk-Toward Resilience and Recovery," putting together a group of international and Japanese experts to examine the effects of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident on the health of local residents and to discuss recovery measures in the future.

Fukushima Medical University, which has conducted the Fukushima Health Management Survey, and international organizations present at the Symposium, including World Health Organization (WHO), agreed that no direct health effect from radiation has been seen. At the same time, they recognized the fact that local residents still suffer from lingering anxieties about radiation and, as a result of prolonged life in evacuation, that some suffer from secondary health and mental effects including obesity and depression.

The Symposium was co-organized by Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation and Fukushima Medical University with the cooperation of Nagasaki University. Experts from four international organizations - the WHO, the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) - participated as panelists.

The Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa said in an opening speech, "through scientific discussions on the current state of Fukushima from multiple angles, we hope to identify measures that can strengthen the resilience and recovery of Fukushima."

On Sept. 11, Sasakawa, along with international experts, met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in his official residence to give him a set of recommendations formulated through the discussions at the two-day Symposium. The recommendations include the establishment of radiation protection criteria that possess the flexibility to address local circumstances and individual lives, as well as the creation of an infrastructure that will allow local residents to manage their own situations in accord with their individual radiological situations. The recommendations also requested strengthened support for health care providers and local care providers, and called for a large increase their numbers in order to promote the psychological and social welfare of people affected by the Fukushima nuclear accident.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Asian Ministers Seek Disaster Risk Reduction Inclusive of People with Disabilities

The Nippon Foundation — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 16:00:29 +0900

TOKYO, July 1 /Kyodo JBN / --
The Nippon Foundation

Asian Ministers Seek Disaster Risk Reduction Inclusive of People with Disabilities

In a series of side events to the 6th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 22 to 26, 2014, The Nippon Foundation and other global organizations, including Rehabilitation International, DiDRRN, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), jointly called for the promotion of disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction.
Responding to their call, the ministers adopted the Bangkok Declaration (*1) that called for "giving attention to meaningful participation and positive contribution of at-risk groups such as persons with disabilities," showing support of the global community for disaster risk reduction participated by people with disabilities. The organizers of the side event, including the Nippon Foundation, introduced to the parties concerned the "Sendai Statement (*2)," spelling out a set of recommendations, adopted at the Asia-Pacific Meeting on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction in April in Sendai, Japan.

In light of the fact that as compared to local population as a whole, about twice as many people with disabilities lost their lives during the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, the Sendai Statement (*2) called for taking their viewpoint into consideration at every step of disaster risk reduction, including disaster prevention planning, drilling and sheltering. Mr. Monthian Buntan, a member of the U.N. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and former member of the Thai Senate, told the side event, "People with disabilities can contribute to disaster risk reduction if they were guaranteed means of transportation, information and communication." Ms. Akiko Fukuda, Secretary-General, World Federation of the Deafblind, said, "With the development of technology, people with disabilities now can do a lot but that's hardly enough. It is important that people should be bonded, not isolated, caring for each other."

The Nippon Foundation and its partners said they will call on the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction scheduled for March 2015 in Sendai to include disaster risk reduction conceived from the viewpoint of people with disabilities in a post-2015 global framework for actions to be adopted at the Sendai conference.

(*1) Bangkok Declaration-6AMCDRR
http://6thamcdrr-thailand.net/6thamcdrr

(*2) Sendai Statement to Promote Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilient, Inclusive and Equitable Societies in Asia and the Pacific:
http://www.unescapsdd.org/files/documents/DiDRR_Outcome-document.pdf

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Condemning Discrimination, Dalai Lama Tells People Affected by Leprosy Never to Lose Hope

The Nippon Foundation — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 15:00:59 +0900

TOKYO, Mar. 27 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Condemning Discrimination, Dalai Lama Tells People Affected by Leprosy Never to Lose Hope

It would be hard to overstate the rapturous welcome given to the Dalai Lama when he visited a community of people affected by leprosy in India recently. The feeling was clearly mutual. "Dear brothers and sisters, I am extremely happy to come here and see you," the spiritual leader told a crowd of 500 at the Kasturba Gram Colony in Tahirpur Leprosy Complex, New Delhi, on March 20.

After clasping hands with as many people as time permitted, the Dalai Lama gave an address that resonated with his audience. "Seven billion human beings are all equal," he said. "People should not look down on others. It is totally wrong. Discrimination is a sin."

Discrimination is something that people affected by leprosy know only too well. Their disease pushes them to the margins of society, denying them opportunities for education and employment, destroying marriages and restricting access to healthcare and social amenities. Even after treatment, the stigma can last a lifetime.

In the face of leprosy's challenges, the Dalai Lama urged his audience never to lose hope and to go forward with "courage and self-confidence." In a show of support, he promised to donate Rs. 1 million (approximately US$16,400) to Kasturba Gram as well as a portion of royalties from his book sales over the next five years.

India has some 850 self-settled leprosy colonies that are home to around 200,000 people. Recognizing the need for these communities to speak with a common voice, in 2006 the Nippon Foundation supported the establishment of a nationwide network now known as the Association of People Affected by Leprosy.

"Leprosy is not hereditary. It is not highly infectious. It is not a dangerous disease," said APAL's president, V. Narsappa, "There is no need to isolate us. We are equal members of society." He also called for the discriminatory term 'leper' not to be used.

The Dalai Lama's visit took place at the suggestion of Nippon Foundation Chairman and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa, who underlined its significance. "I am certain that the words we have heard today from His Holiness will give tremendous encouragement to people affected by leprosy and their families across India and throughout the world," he said.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Human Rights Institutions Pledge Support for Efforts to End Leprosy-related Discrimination

The Nippon Foundation — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 16:00:24 +0900

TOKYO, Jan. 30 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Human Rights Institutions Pledge Support for Efforts to End Leprosy-related Discrimination

Global Appeal 2014 to End Stigma and Discrimination against People Affected by Leprosy was launched in Jakarta, Indonesia, on January 27, endorsed by national human rights institutions from 39 countries and regions.

India, Brazil and Indonesia, which together contribute the most cases of leprosy in the world, were among those whose human rights bodies declared: "We uphold the right of people affected by leprosy to live in dignity, free from discrimination. We pledge our support to help to bring down the remaining barriers of stigma and prejudice that stand in their way."

Inaugurated in 2006, the annual Global Appeal is an initiative of Yohei Sasakawa, the chairman of the Nippon Foundation and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination.

"It is a sad fact that even today, when leprosy is completely curable, massive walls of stigma and social prejudice still stand between society and those affected by the disease," he told some 250 people present at the launching ceremony.

Faith leaders, educators, and the medical and legal professions are among those who have supported previous appeals, and Sasakawa hoped the backing of human rights organizations would now accelerate efforts to resolve the issue. "They are the very organizations that can investigate the various human rights abuses facing people affected by leprosy and take appropriate measures such as making recommendations to their governments," he said.

Representing Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights, Dr. Dianto Bachriadi said that not just the government but the whole country had to be part of the solution, "including religious and public figures." Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who chairs the National Human Rights Commission of India, spoke of the need for "an overall change in social perception" to motivate respect for the rights of persons affected by the disease.

Leprosy is diagnosed in around 230,000 people each year. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage and disability. For those affected, the stigma attached to the disease limits opportunities for education, employment and marriage, and restricts access to public services.

Speaking as someone who once contemplated suicide in the face of severe discrimination, Muhammad Amin Rafi said, "All we want is to be treated as human beings and accepted by the community without distinction."

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Leaders of People Affected by Leprosy Request Pope Francis to Speak Out against Discrimination

The Nippon Foundation — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:35:18 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 10 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Leaders of People Affected by Leprosy Request Pope Francis to Speak Out against Discrimination

The leaders of organizations of people affected by leprosy from nine countries and Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, have written to Pope Francis urging the Catholic Church to speak out against leprosy-related discrimination and labels that perpetuate stigma.

The letter has been prompted by the Pope's use of the term "leprosy" in reference to aspects of the Church that he seeks to reform. In recent months he has said that "careerism is a leprosy" and "the court is the leprosy of the papacy."

In their letter dated December 10, Sasakawa and representatives of people affected by leprosy from Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and the United States write that using the disease as a metaphor for something negative or corrupt "perpetuates deeply ingrained stereotypes and makes it harder to alleviate the devastating social, economic and psychological impact that leprosy can have."

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a bacterial disease that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent disability. Around 230,000 new cases are reported annually.

Although the disease is curable and treatment is free, people affected by leprosy still face discrimination in various parts of the world, leaving them isolated and marginalized.

In December 2010, the U.N. approved a resolution on elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. Accompanying Principles and Guidelines call for an end to the use of derogatory terminology, urge the media to portray people affected by leprosy in a dignified way and note the role that religious leaders can play in eliminating discrimination through their teachings and writings.

In their letter, the signatories say they would "welcome a strong call by the Catholic Church on the occasion of World Leprosy Day 2014 for an end to stigma and discrimination against people affected by leprosy - including the use of discriminatory language" - adding that they look to the Pope with anticipation for such a message.

"All of us are ready to join forces with Your Holiness to attack the labels that perpetuate stigma."

World Leprosy Day 2014 is January 26.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Ethiopia Hosts Symposium to Tackle Leprosy-related Discrimination

The Nippon Foundation — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:28:39 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 20 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Ethiopia Hosts Symposium to Tackle Leprosy-related Discrimination

An international symposium on ending discrimination related to leprosy was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on September 18. Sponsored by The Nippon Foundation, the symposium brought together some 200 people affected by leprosy, human rights experts, and representatives of NGOs and international bodies from 13 countries, including eight African nations.

At an opening ceremony, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced that the government would be taking further steps to improve the quality of life of leprosy-affected people, while Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa said, "The biggest challenge is to bring to an end centuries of ignorance, prejudice and discrimination surrounding leprosy."

The symposium is the third of five being organized by The Nippon Foundation in different regions of the world to promote implementation of a UN resolution on elimination of discrimination against leprosy-affected persons and their family members. The resolution, together with accompanying principles and guidelines, was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2010. In 2012, the first two symposia, focusing on the Americas and Asia, were held in Brazil and India, respectively.

Feared down the centuries as a disease without cure, leprosy today is treated with multidrug therapy (MDT). Since the introduction of MDT in the 1980s, the annual number of new cases worldwide has come down from 5.4 million in 1985 to around 200,000 in 2012 and some 16 million people have been cured of the disease.

Yet even after being successfully treated, people who have been affected by leprosy still face obstacles in education, employment, marriage and access to public services because of misconceptions and mistaken beliefs about leprosy. In addition, discriminatory legislation remains in place in some countries.

At the symposium, Tim Hughes, deputy executive director of the International Bar Association, called for discriminatory laws still found in India, Nepal, Singapore and elsewhere to be amended or scrapped.

Meanwhile, representatives of organizations of leprosy-affected people from five countries, including Ethiopia, stressed that as the primary stakeholders, they must have a central role in finding solutions to the issues.

Two more symposia, in the Middle East and Europe, will be held by the end of 2014, resulting in a plan of action for implementing the UN resolution and a mechanism for monitoring actions being taken.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Health Ministers Pledge to Achieve Leprosy-Free World at International Leprosy Summit;

The Nippon Foundation — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:30:04 +0900

TOKYO, July 24 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

Health Ministers Pledge to Achieve Leprosy-Free World at International Leprosy Summit; The Nippon Foundation Commits $20 Million to the Fight

The International Leprosy Summit, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Nippon Foundation of Tokyo, opened in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 24 with the participation of health ministers and other representatives from 17 nations reporting more than 1,000 new cases of leprosy annually. Concerned by the fact that new cases continue to occur, the participants issued on July 24 a Bangkok declaration calling for further efforts to overcome the remaining challenges. Included in the declaration is the ambitious aim of reducing the occurrence of new cases of the disease with visible disability to less than one case per million people by 2020.

Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, who has worked for the elimination of leprosy for more than 40 years, announced in the opening plenary session that his foundation would donate $20 million over the next five years toward the fight against the disease, and urged governments concerned to "reaffirm your strong determination to achieve a leprosy-free world."

The fight against leprosy, one of the most difficult challenges in the history of public health, has made great strides since multidrug therapy (MDT) was introduced in the 1980s. During the past two decades, approximately 16 million patients have been cured. At present, Brazil is the only nation that has yet to pass the milestone set by the WHO in 1991 of eliminating leprosy as a public health problem, or reducing the prevalence rate of leprosy to less than one case per 10,000 people at the national level.

However, despite significant progress, leprosy continues to be a concern in a number of countries where endemic pockets of the disease remain and new case detection rates have remained static or are showing signs of increasing. Also, there is persistent social discrimination against people affected by leprosy. Touching on these points, Mr. Sasakawa, who is also WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, voiced a sense of alarm and warned against complacency.

The summit will take place over three days, during which participants will review the current leprosy situation, identify the challenges facing endemic countries and express their resolve to tackle them.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

"Careerism Is A Leprosy": Pope's Comment Dismays WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination

The Nippon Foundation — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:29:26 +0900

TOKYO, June 13 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation

"Careerism Is A Leprosy": Pope's Comment Dismays WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination

WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa has written to Pope Francis, expressing his concern that the Pope's remark in a recent speech that "Careerism is a leprosy" will reinforce discrimination against people affected by leprosy and their families.

"In South America in particular, where there are many Catholics and still quite a few people affected by leprosy, I believe what you said will have had a big impact," Sasakawa wrote on June 13.

In the letter, in which he also acknowledges with gratitude the Vatican's ongoing support for eliminating leprosy and leprosy-related discrimination, he requests an audience with the Pope so that he can update him on the fight against the disease.

In a speech on June 6 at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which trains future Vatican diplomats, Pope Francis warned against putting personal ambition ahead of service to the Church, saying, "Careerism is a leprosy, a leprosy." The full text of his speech is available on the Vatican website.

In January 2012, Sasakawa wrote to the producers and distributor of an animated feature, "The Pirates! Band of Misfits," protesting over a trailer for the film in which leprosy was portrayed in a discriminatory light. The scene was subsequently modified.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

The Nippon Foundation Chairman Sasakawa Named Japanese Government's Special Envoy to Help Achieve

The Nippon Foundation — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:24:15 +0900

TOKYO, Feb. 20 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Nippon Foundation
The Nippon Foundation Chairman Sasakawa Named Japanese Government's Special Envoy to Help Achieve Reconciliation in Myanmar
At a Cabinet session on February 19, the Government of Japan named Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa as its special representative to help achieve ethnic reconciliation in Myanmar. The newly created post has no fixed tenure.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a news conference that with the appointment of Sasakawa, Japan "will work to facilitate the process of reconciliation between Myanmar's government and ethnic minorities," which he said is expected to make progress.

Sasakawa's official title is "Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar." With his status as a national civil servant with special duties, Sasakawa will represent the Government of Japan in contacting the Myanmar government, ethnic minorities and the governments of other countries in a bid to attain national reconciliation.

The Nippon Foundation, a Tokyo-based philanthropic organization, has long assisted Myanmar through such means as combating Hansen's disease (Leprosy) and building schools since the days when that country was under military rule. In June 2012, Sasakawa was assigned by the government to act as "Goodwill Ambassador for Welfare of the National Races in Myanmar."

He has since taken the lead in offering assistance such as the supply of rice and medical goods to the areas that are home to the minorities. Upon being named the Special Envoy, Sasakawa said "there would be no unification and democratization of Myanmar without reconciliation among the different ethnic groups," adding that he would perform his duties fully aware of the heavy responsibility placed upon him.

Sasakawa's appointment by the Government of Japan is comparable to similar responsibilities given in 2002 to Yasushi Akashi, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, to represent Japan to help achieve peace and reconstruction in Sri Lanka.

SOURCE: The Nippon Foundation

"Global Appeal 2013" Calls for Immediate Repeal of Laws and Institutions Discriminatory against

The Nippon Foundation — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:01:16 +0900

Jan. 25, 2013
The Nippon Foundation

"Global Appeal 2013" Calls for Immediate Repeal of Laws and Institutions Discriminatory against Leprosy-affected People

The Nippon Foundation held a launch ceremony in London on January 24 for the "Global Appeal 2013" designed end stigma and discrimination against people affected by leprosy, calling for the immediate abolition of laws and systems still discriminating against patients and recovered patients despite the fact that Hansen's disease has became curable.

The Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, acting as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, has been making the appeal annually since 2006 with the endorsement of religious, educational and human rights organizations around the world, with the eighth appeal in 2013 supported by the International Bar Association (IBA) and 46 affiliated bar associations in 40 countries and one region.

Nearly 200 people, including members of the bar and a representative of an Indian organization of recovered patients, were present at the ceremony held on the afternoon of January 24 in London. Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, president of the Law Society, told the audience: "It is truly significant that lawyers are taking a major role in the fight against the discrimination and injustice in this area."Former IBA President Akira Kawamura added, "The outdated attitudes and laws surrounding leprosy cause great suffering to many people. Today the members of legal professions across the world have an opportunity to work together to correct the situation. "The Nippon Foundation's Sasakawa said, "Wrong laws and rules have helped encourage discrimination and stigma deeply planted in the minds of people," calling for their immediate repeal.

Over 16 million people affected by Hansen's disease have been cured over the world after the development of treatment drugs in the 1980s. But they are still faced today with misunderstanding and prejudice formed in the long history of the disease and are seriously discriminated against in marriage, employment and education. In India and some other countries, laws and institutions, which discriminate against patients and recovered patients, still remain unchanged.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

The Nippon Foundation Delivers Relief Goods for Myanmar's Ethnic Minorities

The Nippon Foundation — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 14:00:38 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 26 /Kyodo JBN/--
The Nippon Foundation

The Nippon Foundation Delivers Relief Goods for Myanmar's Ethnic Minorities
Japan's The Nippon Foundation, which had promised to donate $3 million in emergency aid to promote peace between the government of Myanmar and the country's ethnic minorities, completed the delivery of its first shipment of relief goods to Mon State in southern Myanmar by December 25. The shipment, delivered in five large trucks, consisted of rice and medicines. The supplies will be delivered to areas for internally displaced people before the end of the year.

The emergency aid was realized thanks to the exchange of two memorandums; between The Nippon Foundation and the government of Myanmar, and between The Nippon Foundation and the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), which is a federation of 11 armed minority groups. This is the first aid to be extended by a private organization with the agreement of the government and minority groups in Myanmar. The aid goods will be delivered to other areas for displaced minorities as soon as transportation routes are secured.

On December 22, a ceremony with government representatives, ethnic Mon residents and children, totaling 600 people, was held in the Mon State capital of Mawlamyine. Mr. Aung Min, a chief Minister of U Thein Sein's presidential office and principal peace negotiator, said that many international nongovernment organizations (NGOs) have begun to support the building of peace in Myanmar and that the Nippon Foundation was a representative of these organizations.

The Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, who is also the Japanese government's Goodwill Ambassador for the Welfare of the National Races in Myanmar, responded by saying, "I would like to make the present relief efforts a catalyst for realizing peace." Chairman Nai Htaw Mon of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), who is negotiating peace with the government, welcomed the aid, saying that it would constitute the first step toward promoting political dialogue with the government.

Myanmar's civil war between government forces and minority groups has lasted for more than 60 years, forcing more than one million people of ethnic minorities to find refuge in Thailand and other neighboring countries as well as in Myanmar's mountainous regions.

Source: The Nippon Foundation

Myanmar's Armed Ethnic Groups Meet in Tokyo to Discuss Nippon Foundation's Humanitarian Aid

The Nippon Foundation — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 10:45:56 +0900

TOKYO, Oct. 18 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Foundation
Myanmar's Armed Ethnic Groups Meet in Tokyo to Discuss Nippon Foundation's Humanitarian Aid
Twenty key members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an alliance of Myanmar's armed ethnic minority groups based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, met in Tokyo on October 18 with officials of the Nippon Foundation to discuss details, including allocation and transportation, of the $3 million emergency humanitarian aid agreed earlier between the UNFC and the foundation.

Taking part in the meeting were representatives of 10 out of the 11 ethnic groups that inaugurated the UNFC in February last year, including the Karen National Union and the Kachin Independent Organization. It was the first meeting in Japan of key members of the armed ethnic minority groups.

The Myanmar government does not acknowledge the UNFC as an official negotiating partner, but is asking the Nippon Foundation to use emergency assistance as part of peace negotiations. The Myanmar government and the armed groups are expected to make progress toward reconciliation through aid projects.

In Myanmar, home to more than 130 ethnic minority groups, one million people reportedly fled government assaults and are currently living in exile in the mountains of Myanmar. It was agreed that the emergency aid would be provided to the domestic refugees in the form of food and medical supplies.

The Nippon Foundation began assistance, including the construction of schools, in ethnic minority regions of Myanmar in the era of military rule. The foundation had also received requests for the support of ethnic minorities from President Thein Sein as well as democratic movement leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Source: Nippon Foundation

Nippon Foundation Chairman Named Goodwill Ambassador for Welfare of National Races in Myanmar by Japan's Foreign Ministry

The Nippon Foundation — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:33:48 +0900

Nippon Foundation Chairman Named Goodwill Ambassador for Welfare of National Races in Myanmar by Japan's Foreign Ministry
TOKYO, June 12/KYODO JBN/--
The Nippon Foundation announced on June 12 that its Chairman Yohei Sasakawa has been appointed by Japan's Foreign Ministry as Goodwill Ambassador for the Welfare of the National Races in Myanmar. Sasakawa received a letter of appointment from Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba at a ceremony on June 11. The term of his appointment is one year.

The letter calls for the goodwill ambassador to work with the Japanese Government to help ethnic minorities. Sasakawa showed his enthusiasm by saying: "In cooperation with the Japanese government, I would like to work at the private-sector level for the improvement of the lives of the people of Myanmar and for their true reconciliation with the government."

The Nippon Foundation has been active in assisting Myanmar in a wide range of fields. When Sasakawa visited Myanmar in December 2011, he was asked by President Thein Sein and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to support ethnic minorities.

The Japanese government is taking a positive stance toward assisting Myanmar, such as through the resumption of official development assistance (ODA). Sasakawa's appointment came in recognition of the Foundation's many years of activities in Myanmar.

At the appointment ceremony, Sasakawa expressed hope that these programs to improve the lives of ethnic minorities, including herb production for increasing the value of mountain farms, school construction, the supply of medicine chests, and the provision of artificial limbs for those injured in war, would aid in the reconciliation between the ethnic minorities and the government. In response, Foreign Minister Gemba said, "Efforts to improve education and healthcare are those that most touch local people's heartstrings."

Sasakawa was appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2001 as Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, and as the Japanese Government's Goodwill Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by Leprosy in 2007. After his appointment ceremony, Sasakawa reiterated his enthusiasm for his new work, saying: "For Myanmar's democratization to succeed, solving its ethnic minority problems is essential. I would like to emphasise support in education, healthcare and agriculture."
Source:
Nippon Foundation
[Related URL]
http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/

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