Japan has until now paid little heed to the many cases of human rights abuses around the world, including the state oppression of ethnic minorities. But when we reach out to those in dire circumstances, there should be no national borders -- only people in need of help. The time has come for Japan to advance its human rights diplomacy.
Internationally, Europe and the U.S. have been the strongest advocates for human rights. On March 30, Washington released its annual report on the situation of human rights around the world. In it, the U.S. condemned China's suppression of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, declaring it to consist of acts of "genocide" and "crimes against humanity." Such acts are criminal under international law.
