The recent Japanese decision of stop funding For the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (Cedar) Attracted significant attention. This decision comes in response to Cedaw’s recommendation that Japan changes its only male imperial succession law “Guarantee the equality of women and men in the succession to the throneAnd approach the underlying question of discrimination against women.
The Japan decision to exclude CEDAW from the list of beneficiaries of its voluntary funding does not only concern imperial succession. He reflects how gender and history continue to shape the country’s commitment with global institutions.
Between tradition and global trends
The debate on the imperial succession has resurfaced intermittently for decades in Japan. Since 1947, the Imperial household law Stipulated that only men of the patrilineal line can set up the throne of Chrysanthemum, the Japanese monarchy. This rule led to concern On the future of the imperial family, given the number of male heirs. Opinion polls show that 85% of respondents support the authorization of emperors, but the conservative camp And Political leadership Stay firm to resist change, some quoting the Eternal and uninterrupted Imperial line.
On the international level, several countries have female monarchs, including the well-known example of the late Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom. Some countries have gone from male to women. Suede The transition to the equal sexual estate serves as an excellent example. Until 1979, only male heirs could inherit the throne. That year, the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) adopted a reform granting heirs to equal inheritance tax, allowing them to become head of state. Under this change, all the direct descendants of King Carl XVI Gustaf, whatever the sex, have the right to go on the throne. Therefore, Princess of the Victoria Crown is now heir to her father and will finally be the Queen of Sweden.
This reform made Sweden the First European monarchy adopt an equal gender succession, reflecting a monarchy which, while anchored A thousand years of traditionhas evolved with contemporary values. This contrasts with Japan, where the imperial line remains strictly patrilineal. Some even explicitly claim that the same imperial Y chromosome has been transmitted for more than a millennium and must therefore be preserved.
Cedaw’s recommendation according to which Japan recupeted its imperial succession system was therefore not an isolated criticism. The Committee has always called on Japan to improve gender equality Several spheresIncluding discrimination in the workplace, representation in politics and legal protections against violence based on sex.
Cedaw’s recommendations are not legally binding, and Japan has argued that the imperial succession is Not even “within the framework of the competence of the committee. “But Cedaw itself argued that” only allowing the male offspring of the male line of the imperial line to succeed in the throne is incompatible with articles 1 and 2 and the object and the purpose of the Convention “. It also expressed” the concern that several of its previous recommendations concerning the existing discriminatory provisions have not been discussed “.
The government’s response – reduction of funding at CEDAW – indicates not only a reluctance to listen to the recommendation on imperial succession, but also concerns about Japan’s commitment to gender equality more broadly, both at the national level and in its global commitment.
A uncomfortable relationship with global standards of gender
Japan’s protest against CEDAW’s recommendations extends beyond the laws on succession. The government has long been in contradiction with the committee on a series of questions, including repeated calls in recent decades change one’s law To allow married couples to keep separate family names. Historical responsibility is another recurring problem, in particular with regard to the “comfort women– The Japanese system for military sexual slavery before and during the Second World War. many The recommendations urging the Japanese government to assume responsibility, to guarantee the right of victims and survivors to repairs and strengthen education on the issue.
Japan has often been accused of minimizing the Problem of “comforting women” Or try to go beyond the controversy. While official apology have been issued, they were frequently associated with refusals or diplomatic efforts to dilute previous declarations. In his latest report in 2016, the committee called on Japan to ensure its Leaders and officials “Remember to make derogatory statements concerning responsibility, which have the effect of shrinking the victims.”
Japan relations with international organizations concerning gender problems have been uncomfortable for years. While Japan is a signatory to CEDAW, its internal policies are frequently lagging behind international expectations. Reports The Commission has criticized the inadequate legal definitions of Japan of discrimination against women, the limited access to justice for women and the persistence of deep gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes.
Japan’s response has often been to postpone external recommendations rather than implementing systemic changes. This last decision to interrupt funding for Cedaw follows a selective commitment model, where Japan align with international executives when practical but resists pressure on national and historical sensitive issues.
The withdrawal by Japan from the funding of CEDAW thus reflects a broader discomfort with international control over gender equality. The move can embrace Conservative factions In Japan which oppose progressive gender reforms. More disturbing, this suggests an attempted pressure on an international organization through financial leverThrough doubt about Japan’s commitment to global justice and human rights standards.
Two world birthdays and the funding of Japan stop
The year 2025 is of particular importance for gender equality because it marks two major anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference of the United Nations on women, which produced the declaration and the Beijing platform for action – The Most widely approved global agenda For women’s rights – and the 25th anniversary of the women’s, peace and security program (WPS), now recognized as A key pillar of international peace and security.
Over the past three decades, the Beijing Declaration has had advanced progress in fields such as the fight against violence against women and girls, strengthening Redlude World Peace and Security By putting pressure for the participation and leadership of women in peace processes and the fight against the sexospecific impacts of the conflict. These milestones reflect the power of international cooperation and feminist advocacy in the conduct of significant progress towards gender equality and lasting peace.
In the middle of that Increase in global support For the initiatives led by girls and women – such as the 22 million investments in euros in the program of the United Nations Act for Women and the Generation Equality Action Coalition Push to make $ 500 million for organizations for the defense of women’s rights by 2026 – Japan has rather chosen to stop funding in 2025. The world scene. He also risks alienating allies who prioritize gender equality in diplomacy.
The approach of Japan – whether constructively or resisted a meticulous examination – will shape its role in global discussions on human rights and gender justice. One thing is certain, however: the Japanese financing cut in 2025 could hardly arrive at a worse moment, both diplomatically and symbolically.