Delivering Voices from the Field to Make a Change
In response to exploitation and conflict exacerbated by development wherein those affected lose the right to choose their own circumstances with their own hands, we are active in survey research and policy recommendations advocating for the right to self-determination and restoration of human rights. We have been particularly active regarding the Mozambique’s Nacala Economic Corridor Development and have been vigilant to similar patterns emerging in Burma/Myanmar. From the second half of 2022, we have been dedicating our efforts to opposing the revisions to the Development Cooperation Charter wherein the Official Development Assistance (ODA) would strategically be delivered in the form of both economic and military support in “preparation for war”.
Activities in 2022
We connected with those fighting against the loss of their natural resources and violation of their human rights in the name of development
We proposed an agenda to the ODA Policy Council and a regular meeting between NGOs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to request the inspection of the ODA-supported, large-scale agricultural ProSAVANA Project in Mozambique that was canceled in 2020. In a meeting with the Ministry of Finance, we pointed out problems of a natural gas excavation project in northern Mozambique. In addition, we held events and issued statements in collaboration with other organizations calling for the end of any financial cooperation between Japanese agencies and businesses with the Burma/Myanmar’s military that oppresses the Burmese people.
Opposing the use of ODA as strategic assistance and the destruction of Japan’s anti-militarist principles
In September 2022, MOFA announced the revision of the Development Cooperation Charter that outlines the fundamental principles of ODA. In order to put a stop to the use of ODA for national militaristic interests, JVC President Imai worked as the coordinator of the ODA Policy Council to gather the opinions of various NGOs and hold a meeting with MOFA. MOFA announced with the “Three Security Documents” that were released by the Cabinet in December 2022, that the fundamental ‘anti-militarist principles’ that Japan applies to aid to foreign countries have been destroyed in favor of supplying military aid to ‘like-minded countries’ in what is now called Official Security Assistance (OSA). JVC advocated against this and worked with other organizations to hold a meeting at the Members’ Office Building of the House of Councilors. This caught the attention of members of the National Diet and the media. JVC’s advocacy statement went on to be raised in a Diet discussion.
JVC President Imai delivering the opening speech at the meeting at the Members’ Office Building of the House of Councilors. 5 members of the National Diet, 40 members of the general public, and 8 journalists were present.
Achievements in 2022
We helmed advocacy campaigns
We called for the Japanese Government to end its cooperation with and support for the Israeli military (September 16, 2022)
We opposed the conflict-enabling overseas military assistance proposed in the “Three Security Documents” (December 26, 2022)
We opposed the use of ODA as strategic assistance and the destruction of Japan’s anti-militarist principles
We signed our agreement to joint statements calling for the following:
The end of ODA to Myanmar, NGO recommendations to the revision of the Development Cooperation Charter, demands for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, the revocation of the prohibition of women’s right to work in Afghanistan
Voices and Messages
What I learned from JVC’s activities
HOSOKAWA Michi, 2022 Intern
The revision of the Development Cooperation Charter has brought me to think deeply about the history of Japan’s development assistance to the world and how it will change going forward. What has stood out to me from my research and sharing opinions with those around me is the lack of information surrounding this and the absence of the perspectives of those countries who are on the receiving end of this aid. This has raised within me a new area of interest regarding the actual definitions of trust and cooperation.
I took part in the OSA meeting!
Alicia TURNER, 2022 Intern
As an international relations student, taking part in this meeting has left a great impression on me. By learning about the introduction of OSA, I have really learned that defense policy is not something that should be accepted blindly, but examined critically due to the great effects it can leave on the lives of many. Learning about the misappropriation of development aid in the past, I feel that observing the effects of OSA going into the future is something to keep in mind and extremely important.
Hosokawa on the left and Turner on the right.
[Source: JVC Annual Report 2022]
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