*1 The Official Development Assistance Charter (ODA Charter)

The ODA Charter, approved by Cabinet on June 30, 1992, constitutes the most important basic document concerning Japan's ODA policies. It was formulated to clarify Japan's ODA philosophy and principles and is based on past achievements, experiences, and lessons. The Charter consists of six sections covering the following areas: basic philosophy, principles, priorities, measures for effective ODA implementation, measures for promoting understanding and support at home and abroad, and the ODA implementation system. The following four key elements are identified under "basic philosophy" (1) humanitarian considerations, (2) recognition of global interdependence, (3) the importance of self-help efforts, and (4) environmental conservation. Under "principles," Japan commits itself to the following four points while "taking into comprehensive account each recipient country's requests, socioeconomic conditions, and Japan's bilateral relations with the recipient country" (1) environmental conservation and development should be pursued in tandem, (2) use of ODA for military purposes or for aggravation of international conflicts should be avoided, (3) full attention should be paid to trends in recipient countries" military expenditures, their development and production of weapons of mass destruction and missiles, and the export and import of arms, and (4) full attention should be paid to efforts for promoting democratization and the introduction of a market-oriented economy and to the situation regarding the securing of basic human rights and freedoms.