# Initiatives Relating to the Basic Policies of the ODA Charter

Section 1

The philosophy and principles of Japan’s current ODA policy are set forth in the ODA Charter. The Medium-term Policy on ODA, Japan's Country Assistance Policy, Sectoral Development Policy, and Priority Policy Issues for International Cooperation, and Rolling Plans are set under this Charter. This section explains the existing policy framework.

### 1. Official Development Assistance Charter (ODA Charter)

The current ODA Charter (revised in August 2003) consists of "I. Philosophy," "II. Principle of ODA Implementation," "III. Formulation and Implementation of ODA Policy," and "IV. Reporting on the Status of Implementation of the ODA Charter."

In “I. Philosophy,” the objective of ODA is defined as “to contribute to the peace and development of the international community, and thereby to help ensure Japan’s own security and prosperity.” It sets out five basic policies for the attainment of these objectives: (i) “supporting self-help efforts of developing countries” based on good governance; (ii) the perspective of “human security” for the implementation of support focused on individuals; (iii) the “assurance of fairness” with consideration given to the socially vulnerable, particularly for improving the status of women, and to the gaps between rich and poor, and between regions; (iv) the “utilization of Japan’s experience and expertise” to make full use of its own experience in economic and social development to promote the growth of developing countries; and (v) “partnership and collaboration with the international community” with a view to pursuing collaboration with international organizations, other donor countries, and other assistance providers including NGOs.

### 2. Medium-Term ODA Policy

The Medium-term ODA Policy (see page 202) details Japan’s position, approaches, and specific actions outlined in the ODA Charter, focusing on items that require more concrete explanation. The latest revision took place in February 2005, listing specific issues to be addressed under the

### 3. Country Assistance Policy

The Country Assistance Policy is Japan’s country-specific assistance policy. To formulate the documents, the political and socio-economic situations as well as development strategies and needs of each recipient country are taken into consideration. As a general rule, it is to be revised every five years. As of 2009, the “Country Assistance and the private sector. Based on these objectives and basic policies, Japan provides support focusing on the following priority issues of (i) “poverty reduction,” (ii) “sustainable growth,” (iii) “addressing global issues,” and (iv) “peacebuilding.”

“II. Principle of ODA Implementation” stipulates that ODA is to be provided with full attention given to balancing the environment and development, preventing any use of ODA for military purposes, and promoting the democratization of developing countries.

“III. Formulation and Implementation of ODA Policy” states that it is important to take a government-wide coherent and unified approach to ODA planning and implementation, and to improve the strategic value, flexibility, and efficiency of Japan’s ODA. In addition, because ODA is funded by taxpayers, this section stipulates that the Government must strive to enhance public understanding of ODA.

“IV. Reporting on the Status of Implementation of the ODA Charter” clarifies the accountability for the implementation of ODA, stating that the Government must report the status of implementation of ODA to the Cabinet through yearly publication of the ODA White Paper.

three categories of (i) perspective of human security, (ii) priority issues of “poverty reduction,” “sustainable growth,” “addressing global issues,” and “peace-building,” and (iii) “measures to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of assistance.”

Programs” were formulated for 28 countries, but in accordance with the “ODA Review Final Report” that was released in 2010, it was determined that, for the policies to be more concise and strategic to highlight the priority areas and the direction of assistance for each country, it would be changed as follows: (i) the name will be changed