February 6, 2013
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) is strongly opposed to the Abe Cabinet’s plan to cut livelihood protection benefits by 74 billion yen over the next three years. The following is an Akahata interview with JFBA Vice President Takei Tomoo (excerpts):
The JFBA membership includes all 33,600 lawyers in Japan based on the Attorney Act.
It has published its president’s statement against the move to slash livelihood protection benefits in September, November, as well as on January 25.
We have argued that it is not appropriate to discuss if the level of consumption by welfare benefit recipients are higher or lower than that of lowest-income households (10% from the bottom).
Among those who are qualified as welfare benefits recipients, only 20% actually receive them. Livelihood protection standards would continue to drop if compared with living conditions of the low-income households, many of whom fail to be given the welfare benefits they are qualified to receive.
The government now argues that the benefits must be drastically cut in accordance with a drop in prices. We have a great concern that it recognizes the benefits as something it should reduce, not increase.
The livelihood protection program plays an essential role of giving shape to the “minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living” as guaranteed in Article 25 of the Constitution. Anyone can receive the benefits when their living conditions are threatened. Amid the increase in poverty in Japan, the program plays a very significant role as the last safety net to protect people’s lives and human rights.
The amount of welfare benefits in Japan only accounts for 0.5% of GDP, which is one-seventh of the average of OECD member countries.
Instead of reducing the benefits, increasing the number of recipients will foster people’s sense of security in society and lead to boosting domestic demand, thus bringing about a positive influence on the economy.
The JFBA membership includes all 33,600 lawyers in Japan based on the Attorney Act.
It has published its president’s statement against the move to slash livelihood protection benefits in September, November, as well as on January 25.
We have argued that it is not appropriate to discuss if the level of consumption by welfare benefit recipients are higher or lower than that of lowest-income households (10% from the bottom).
Among those who are qualified as welfare benefits recipients, only 20% actually receive them. Livelihood protection standards would continue to drop if compared with living conditions of the low-income households, many of whom fail to be given the welfare benefits they are qualified to receive.
The government now argues that the benefits must be drastically cut in accordance with a drop in prices. We have a great concern that it recognizes the benefits as something it should reduce, not increase.
The livelihood protection program plays an essential role of giving shape to the “minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living” as guaranteed in Article 25 of the Constitution. Anyone can receive the benefits when their living conditions are threatened. Amid the increase in poverty in Japan, the program plays a very significant role as the last safety net to protect people’s lives and human rights.
The amount of welfare benefits in Japan only accounts for 0.5% of GDP, which is one-seventh of the average of OECD member countries.
Instead of reducing the benefits, increasing the number of recipients will foster people’s sense of security in society and lead to boosting domestic demand, thus bringing about a positive influence on the economy.
