1946　Constitution of Japan

After Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II, GHQ revised the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, which had been in force since the Meiji era, and the current Constitution of Japan was promulgated on November 3, 1946, and came into effect on May 3, 1947. The three main pillars of the Constitution are “sovereignty of the people,” “pacifism,” and “respect for fundamental human rights.” The scope of human rights has been greatly expanded and their guarantees made more robust than those granted under the Meiji Constitution. It is one of the most advanced constitutions of the mid-20th century in terms of basic human rights, recognizing various freedom rights, equality rights, social rights, and the right to vote.

In the parts of the Constitution that guarantee rights to “the citizens,” “all citizens,” “any person,” etc., children are included in these phrases, and thus the rights recognized in these parts are also guaranteed to children. Specifically, Article 11 “enjoyment of fundamental human rights,” Article 13 “respect for the individual and the right to the pursuit of happiness,” Article 14 “equality before the law,” various freedom rights, Article 24 “personal dignity and equality of the sexes in family life,” Article 25 “right to life,” Article 26 “right to education,” etc. are included. In addition, Article 27 prohibits the abuse of children, stating that “Children must not be abused.”