Official Development Assistance (ODA)

Question

What kind of assistance is Japan providing in the sector of developing legal systems?

Answer

Japan's assistance regarding the development of legal systems is based on three pillars: (a) assistance toward drafting bills and the process for enacting drafts into law; (b) assistance toward improving the capacity of the organizations that enforce and operate the laws and of the institutions that resolve conflicts by applying them; and (c) assistance toward improving access to the legal and judicial systems. In addition to these, it also assists with the development of people involved in the field of law and other relevant human resources, so that the countries that receive the assistance will be able to develop such legal systems themselves in the future. In other words, by not just creating laws but also developing manuals and human resources to ensure they will be operated properly, Japan is providing assistance that also looks ahead to what lies after the assistance ends.

Question

What makes Japan's assistance for the development of legal systems unique?

Answer

Japan's strength when it comes to assisting the development of legal systems is that it can present a variety of options to the recipient countries based its own past experiences regarding the same endeavors. Rather than imposing models that were successful in its own case, Japan provides fine-tuned assistance that takes into account the recipient countries' actual circumstances and needs, while giving the utmost respect to their ownership.

Developing countries have trade practices and customs that are tailored to their actual circumstances. In addition to these, a variety of laws have also already been established in recent years. Experts sent from Japan study these existing systems and local customs and culture, and combine them with modern thinking to help create a unified law for the country. When creating legal systems, it is necessary to aim to make them ones that are rooted in the society of the recipient country and will be operated appropriately, while at the same time incorporating ideas that are consistent with international standards regarding trade practices and ensuring human rights. In order to achieve this, it is important to consider consistency from experts' perspectives and adjust the balance while repeatedly consulting with the relevant parties. Although these processes are time-consuming, Japan continues to provide assistance with a long-term perspective while putting itself in the shoes of the recipient countries.