December 11, 2022

A package of bills to revise the Act for the Comprehensive Support of Persons with Disabilities and four laws including the mental health law was approved and enacted by the majority vote of the Liberal Democratic Party, Komei party, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, “Ishin” party, and Democratic Party for the People at a House of Councilors plenary session on December 10.

The Japanese Communist Party voted against the package on the grounds that the various law revisions may increase forced psychiatric admissions, which not only goes against a recommendation of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities but also tramples on mentally-troubled persons’ dignity and human rights.

The UN in September recommended that the Japanese government abolish legal provisions that allow for depriving disabled persons of their freedoms through involuntary hospitalization.

Past related article:
> Law revisions under debate may increase forced psychiatric hospitalizations in disregard of UN recommendation [November 12, 2022]