On 8 December 2024, the 7th Youth Forum commemorating Human Rights Day took place in Tokyo, drawing around 50 participants to discuss some of Japan’s most pressing societal issues. Co-hosted by the Soka Gakkai Peace Committee and Amnesty International Japan, and supported by the UN Information Centre in Tokyo, the Youth Forum addressed issues like gender equality and the role of young people in shaping a more just society.

Hiromi Kusano, Senior Advocacy Manager at the Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP), delivered a keynote speech. She highlighted JOICFP’s advocacy for women’s health and rights since 1968, with particular attention to Japan’s recent review by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In the review, CEDAW—often referred to as the "international bill of rights for women"—brought to light systemic issues in Japan, including the lack of comprehensive sexuality education and outdated abortion laws rooted in a nineteenth-century penal code, which continue to perpetuate stigma and create barriers for women.

Kusano passionately argued that human rights are intertwined, declaring, "Inequality harms us all. By standing with the marginalized and using our voices, we can dismantle harmful norms and champion gender equality. Young people are leading this change."

The event also featured Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak, Associate Human Rights Officer at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who joined online from Geneva. Pathak introduced the upcoming fifth phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, which focuses on empowering young people to address issues like climate change, gender equality and digital technology. She underscored the transformative power of youth-led grassroots movements, noting their ability to create ripple effects that transform communities.

During the panel discussion, experts and activists explored challenges specific to Japan. Kusano discussed the outdated legal framework criminalizing abortion, which fosters stigma and guilt, and highlighted the nation’s lack of progress in offering comprehensive sexuality education. This gap perpetuates misinformation and unequal gender dynamics.

"We need to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society," said Sayaka Sasaki, a member of Japan's House of Councillors and head of the newly formed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force of the Komeito. "Bipartisan cooperation is key to repealing outdated laws and increasing women's representation in politics."

Akira Nishiyama, Deputy Executive Director of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation, presented a sobering view of Japan’s position within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, ranking 34th out of 35 countries for legal protections of LGBTQ+ individuals. Nishiyama discussed systemic discrimination against sexual minorities and warned of the harm caused by discriminatory rhetoric on social media, particularly toward transgender individuals. She emphasized, “Young people have a critical role to play in shifting societal attitudes and ensuring equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. To achieve this, it is essential to build solidarity through connections with others who share similar interests and goals, creating a platform for mutual support and meaningful change.”

As the forum concluded, participants broke into small groups to discuss actionable steps they could take in their communities. Ideas ranged from raising awareness on social media to initiating local advocacy efforts. One participant reflected, “Human rights advocacy isn’t just about laws; it’s about changing mindsets. Even small acts of empathy and education can improve the lives of others while paving the way for legal reform.”

Another attendee, inspired by their time living in Canada, noted the stark contrast between Japan’s gender equality challenges and more progressive policies abroad. They emphasized the need for grassroots activism and youth-driven initiatives to help Japan catch up.

Kaoru Nemoto, director of the UN Information Centre and panel moderator, reiterated the importance of adhering to international standards like CEDAW. “Women’s rights should not be subject to shifting societal attitudes but must be firmly grounded in global human rights principles,” she stated.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the passion and creativity young people bring to social change. Whether advocating for gender equality, tackling outdated laws or fostering inclusive education, their efforts are essential in creating a more equitable society for all.