# Operational Status of the Principle of Assistance Implementation

Section 4

The government of Japan provides assistance in compliance with the assistance philosophy of the ODA Charter, in consideration of the principles of the United Nations Charter and after comprehensively determining the developing country's need for assistance, socio-economic conditions, and the bilateral relations with the recipient country.

The objective of ODA is to contribute to economic development and improve the welfare of developing countries so as to create a world where all people can live in a humane manner and in peace. In addition, ODA aims to ensure the safety and prosperity of Japan by contributing to the peace and development of the international community. In order to disburse taxpayer's money appropriately, Japan provides assistance in compliance with the assistance philosophy of the ODA Charter, in consideration of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations (especially sovereign right, equality, and non-intervention in domestic matters) as well as the points listed below, and after comprehensively considering such elements as the developing countries' need for assistance, socio-economic conditions, and bilateral relations with the recipient country.

(1) Environmental conservation and development should be compatible.

## • Specific Operation

For specific operation of the principle of ODA implementation, it is vital that judgments are made not by mechanically applying a series of set standards, but by comprehensive evaluation on a case-by-case basis that considers the various conditions in the recipient country and other related circumstances. In addition, humanitarian considerations for the people of the developing country must be made as well. If development aid is suspended or

## • Consideration of the Environment and Society

In promoting economic development, consideration must be given to the burden on the environment and the impact on the local community. Japan has suffered numerous instances of industrial pollution, including Minamata disease. Japan utilizes these experiences to implement ODA carefully in order to minimize adverse impact on the environment. Japan also gives consideration to ensuring that its development policies do not have undesirable impact on local society, in particular the socially vulnerable such as those suffering from poverty, women, ethnic minorities, and disabled persons. For example, JICA (2) Any use of ODA for military purposes or for aggravation of international conflicts should be avoided.

(3) Full attention should be paid to trends in recipient countries' military expenditures, their development and production of weapons of mass destruction and missiles, their export and import of arms, etc., so as to maintain and strengthen international peace and stability, including the prevention of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and from the viewpoint that developing countries should place appropriate priorities in the allocation of their resources on their own economic and social development.

(4) Full attention should be paid to efforts for promoting democratization and the introduction of a market-oriented economy, and the situation regarding the protection of basic human rights and freedoms in the recipient country.

reduced according to the principle of ODA implementation, it is the ordinary people of these developing countries, in particular the impoverished people that have to suffer from the most serious impact. Accordingly, even in cases in which assistance is suspended or reduced, it is necessary to consider combining such judgment with measures that give special consideration to the implementation of emergency or humanitarian assistance.

proclaimed the new “JICA guidelines for environmental and social considerations” in April 2010, and conducts procedures to confirm that consideration is being given to environmental and social factors in its preliminary studies, environmental reviews, and monitoring at the implementation stage. In addition, Japan implements a policy of incorporating the gender perspective at all stages of projects—including policy formulation, planning, implementation, and evaluation—in order to promote “gender mainstreaming in development.” $ ^{*} $

## Avoidance of Military Uses and of Encouragement of International Conflict

The use of Japanese ODA in developing countries for military purposes or for encouraging international conflict must be strictly avoided. Therefore, Japan does not provide direct assistance to the military or military personnel of developing countries through ODA.

Japan proactively contributes to the fight against

terrorism and peace-building, but in order to prevent aid materials and funds provided by Japan from being used for military purposes, Japan gives sufficient attention to the principles of ODA implementation even when the assistance is provided for anti-terrorism measures.