Refugee and Asylum Seeking in Modern Japan: Analysis of Japan’s Humanitarian Commitments and Xenophobic Problems

Year 2017, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 40 - 64, 15.12.2017

Hidayet Sıddıkoğlu

Abstract

The current position of the Japanese
government towards Japan’s foreign policy aligns with both the notion of a ‘Proactive
Contribution to Peace’, and the United Nations’ mission of humanitarian
assistance. However, the domestic Japanese attitude
towards refugees has resulted in its humanitarian commitments remaining highly
controversial. This paper examines the Japanese government’s paradox in
relation to humanitarian assistance, and in particular whether Japan’s controversial
domestic refugee policies reflect its international humanitarian commitments. It
argues that the current Japanese refugee policy fulfils two political ends: firstly
to keep the refugee crisis out of Japan, and secondly, to convey a strong
message of ‘no entry’ to those wishing to find refuge in Japan.

Keywords

Human rights, Japan, Refugee Policy, Paradox

Modern Japonya’da Mülteci ve Sığınma Talebi: Japonya’nın İnsani Yükümlülükleri ve Yabancı Düşmanlığı Sorunlarının Analizi

Abstract

Japon Hükümetinin Japon dış
politikasına yönelik mevcut tutumu hem “Barışa Proaktif (Önalan) Katkı” anlayışıyla
hem de BM’nin insani yardım göreviyle uyumludur. Bununla birlikte, göçmenlere
karşı iç politikadaki tutum, insani yükümlülüklerin oldukça tartışmalı kalmasıyla
sonuçlandı. Bu makalede, insani yardım konusunda Japon hükümetinin ikilemi ve
özellikle de Japonya’nın tartışmalı politikalarının uluslararası insani
yükümlülüklerini yansıtıp yansıtmadığı incelenmiştir. Mevcut Japon göç politikasının
iki politik sonucu gerçekleştirdiği öne sürülmektedir: birincisi göçmen krizini
Japonya’nın dışında tutmak ve ikinci olarak Japonya’dan sığınma talep edecek
kişilere güçlü bir “girilmez” mesajı vermek.

Keywords

İnsan hakları, Japonya, Göç Politikası, İkilem

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