Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2012 May 9 - 15 [WELFARE]

Parents campaign against privatization of childcare services

Fathers and mothers of pre-school children on May 13 called for public support for their campaign to block the government’s attempt to privatize childcare services at a press conference in Tokyo.

The government has submitted to the current Diet session a set of bills to abandon its responsibility to provide childcare services and allow private entities to enter the childcare industry.

An appeal the parents published warns that the bills will turn the current childcare system into a moneymaking framework for private companies. It demands that public childcare be guaranteed to all children regardless of their parents’ economic capabilities or their working conditions.

As of May 10, 1,121 individuals and organizations have expressed their support for the appeal.

On the same day, more than 6,000 parents, children, and daycare center staff took part in a rally and march in Tokyo to protest the new childcare scheme.