Section 1

# Initiatives Relating to the Basic Policies of the ODA Charter

The philosophy and principles regarding Japan’s current ODA policies are set forth in the Official Development Assistance Charter (ODA Charter). Under the present Charter are the Medium-Term Policy on Official Development Assistance (Medium-Term ODA Policy), Japan’s Country Assistance Programs, the Sector-Specific Development Policies, the Priority Issues for International Cooperation, and the Rolling Plans. This section will explain the existing policy framework, while the policy documents are scheduled to be reviewed following the ODA review (see Part II).

### 1. 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 Official Development Assistance Charter.”

In the “I. Philosophy” section, the objectives of ODA are 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 five basic policies for the attainment of these objectives: (1) “supporting self-help efforts of developing countries” based on good governance; (2) the perspective of “human security” for the implementation of support focused on individuals; (3) the “assurance of fairness” with consideration given to the socially vulnerable, particularly for improving the status of women; (4) 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 (5) “partnership and collaboration with the international community” with a view to pursuing collaboration with international organizations and other assistance providers including

### 2. Japan's Medium-Term ODA Policy

The Medium-Term Policy on ODA details Japan’s position, approaches, and specific actions outlined in the ODA Charter. The latest revision took place in February 2005, listing specific issues to be addressed under the three categories of (1) “perspective of human security”; NGOs and the private sector. Based on these objectives and basic policies, Japan provides support focusing on the following priority issues: (1) “poverty reduction,” (2) “sustainable growth,” (3) “addressing global issues,” and (4) “peace-building.”

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

The “III. Formulation and Implementation of ODA Policy” section states that it is important to take a government-wide coherent and unified approach for ODA planning and implementation, and to improve its strategic value, flexibility, and efficiency. Since ODA is funded by taxpayers, this section specifies that the Government should strive to enhance public understanding of ODA.

The “IV. Reporting on the Status of Implementation of the Official Development Assistance Charter” section states that the Government will report the implementation status of ODA to the Cabinet through the yearly publication of the White Paper, so as to clarify accountability for the implementation of ODA.

(2) important issues of “poverty reduction,” “sustainable growth,” “addressing global issues,” and “peace-building”; and (3) “measures to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of assistance.”