In addition, another criticism of Japan’s policies related to refugees is the lack
of respect for human rights in the governmental authorities within the overall
Procedure for Recognition of Refugee Status. Several cases have been reported
of procedural malpractices and negligence by the authorities within the procedure
of recognition. 38 There are several cases that procedure carries on without
satisfactory communication as often precise translation is at difficulty. 39 Also it
reported about prejudiced assumptions that asylum seekers are taken as disguised
economic migrants and ‘override their ability to make fair judgements
and pay serious attention to the provision of due process to claims’. (SMJ
2010:31) Refugee determination is faced with the survival of people. However
procedures are not always processed with full seriousness to one’s life. Although
the decision of the government does influence one’s fate, present response
and treatment of asylum seekers is negligent.
As we have seen there are revisions within law, and new launch on refugee issues,
such behaviour toward potential refugees makes Japan seem very hypocritical
with its acceptance of resettlement refugees who are persecuted by the
government of other countries. Because of the reality, several NGOs wonder
the invitation of Karen refugees is rather a cover up to the international society
and people in Japan, and claim that consideration/respect to human right is
lacking in the first place.