Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > April, 2005

The First Meeting of the Committee for the Promotion of Measures for Crime Victims Thursday, April 28, 2005 The first meeting of the Committee for the Promotion of Measures for Crime Victims was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. The Committee was established with the aim of formulating and promoting a basic plan for crime victims, given the need to promote measures in a comprehensive and systematic manner that incorporate the standpoint of crime victims, toward a society in which victims' rights and interests are fully protected. At the meeting, the Committee decided to formulate the basic plan for crime victims by December and hold meetings with members and expert members to draw up a draft of the basic plan. The Committee also decided on guidelines for drafting the basic plan, including a wide range of opinions gathered from the people of Japan to be compiled by the Cabinet Office. In his address, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said, "Up to now, much emphasis has been placed on the human rights of suspects, but consideration for the human rights of victims has been inadequate. It is significant that for the first time, the Government will be systematizing measures for crime victims from various angles. I hope that each member will be involved in active discussions."