Appendix
Osaka City University Declaration of Human Rights 2001
(Adopted by the University Council on 17 December 2001 and revised on 17May 2010)
Preamble
Human beings are born free, being equal in dignity and rights. Since
the enactment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, each of us has
been expected to live with people from around the world, respecting humanrights and fundamental freedoms. Nevertheless, discrimination persists regarding characteristics such as social status, descent, race, ethnicity, belief,sex, and disability. Furthermore, we are confronting new human rights issues caused by rapid social change as well as technological and scientiic
advance.
Osaka is a city in which historically diferent cultures have developed,
evolving in unique fashion through respect for freedom and the spirit of coexistence. Being a major center for international exchange in East Asia, thecity welcomes people from all parts of the world. he diversity of its people
encourages an ever-rising awareness of dignity and human rights.
Osaka City University has created an academic tradition of respecting
human rights and fundamental freedoms supported by respect for freedom
and the spirit of coexistence of the people of Osaka City. he University has
held lectures on human rights issues since 1968, and in 1973 established theDowa Mondai Research Institute (currently, Research Center for HumanRights). he Center was Japan’s irst academic research institute on humanrights issues, and remains a leader in education and research on eliminating
discrimination and protecting human rights.
Osaka City University is a seat of learning based on the dignity of people
and the spirit of equality. In the 20th century, the results of academic research were often used, serving as tools or justiication for instigating wars
and violating human rights. We, however, shall turn once again to the basic
ideas of fundamental human rights, the dignity of human beings, and equal
rights of men and women, utilizing academic research to promote peaceand respect for human rights. Moreover, we shall actively confront humanrights issues resulting from rapid social change, economic development,
309

310

H U M A N R I G H T S E D U C AT I O N I N A S I A - PA C I F I C

and scientiic and technological innovation, resolutely seeking to create asociety imbued with the spirit of humanity.
Osaka City University shall respect international human rights laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International
Covenants on Civil and Political Rights. It shall also comply with theConstitution of Japan and domestic laws and regulations on human rights
in cooperation with Osaka City, formulating and promoting policies tostrengthen respect for human rights in all areas, including education andresearch activities.
Osaka City University shall set forth the following provisions in order tocreate a university that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms.
he University declares that it shall not only work for the development ofeducation and research in human rights and fundamental freedoms, but will
disseminate its academic traditions and achievements to the outside worldin the hope of turning the 21st century into the century of human rights.
Article 1. Responsibility of University
Osaka City University and its members have responsibility of acting toestablish a university that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Article 2. Academic freedom
1. Osaka City University shall ensure academic freedom. Freedom ofresearch and education, freedom of thought and conscience, and freedomof expression shall be given to all the members.
2. he foregoing paragraph does not allow the necessity of violating human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.
Article 3. Establishment of university without discrimination, exclusion and harassment
1. Osaka City University and its members shall not practice any discrimination, exclusion or harassment in social status, descent, race, ethnicity,
nationality, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, ideology, belief, andtype or level of disability, in educational and research activities.
2. Osaka City University and its members shall not abuse professional
status, authority or inluence to force unjust work and assignments, or sexual harassment.

Appendix

311

Article . Acceptance of diversity and creation of a multicultural andharmonious society
Osaka City University and its members shall contribute to the creationof a multicultural and harmonious society by welcoming diverse peoples
and promoting intercultural exchange.
Article . Promotion of human rights education
Osaka City University shall promote human rights education throughtraining, awareness-raising and social interaction programs, so that all its
members can understand and act on the idea of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Article . Information disclosure and its contribution to the increase ofhuman rights awarenessOsaka City University shall enrich its human rights policy by promoting
disclosure of information about the policy, and actively soliciting opinionsfrom both inside and outside the University. It shall also contribute to thedevelopment of human rights awareness throughout society by publicizing
the results of research on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Article . Handling of human rights violations
Osaka City University and its members shall strive never to tolerate human rights violations. Osaka City University shall respond swiftly and appropriately to any complaints of violations of human rights or fundamental
freedoms from its members, and shall remedy such problems.
Article . Action plan for human rights and fundamental freedoms
Osaka City University shall formulate and promote a concrete “ActionPlan for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms” based on the “Osaka
City University Action Plan to Create a Discrimination-free Campus.” heUniversity shall amend the Action Plan for unforeseen needs or contingencies through continuous and multilateral assessment of its human rights
policy.
Source: Osaka City University, www.osaka-cu.ac.jp/en/about/declaration2001