## Section 3 ◆ Efforts for Further Appropriate Treatment

## Efforts for Further Appropriate Treatment of Detainees

Based on an agreement reached with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) in September 2010, the Immigration Bureau started discussions with the JFBA on better measures about treatment of foreign nationals held in the detention centers, and will continue to hold such discussions in the future. To date, the Immigration Bureau has already implemented measures together with the JFBA such as having attorneys provide legal consultations to the detainees, while some bar associations have been providing regular consultations over the phone or in person to detainees in the detention centers.

With regard to foreign nationals detained in a detention center to whom a deportation order has been issued but who cannot be deported for an extended period of time, regardless of applications for provisional release the Director of the Immigration Detention Center or the supervising immigration inspector of the Regional Immigration Bureau periodically checks and reviews the necessity and reasons for provisional release, and, through flexible application of the provisional release system, endeavors to ensure that foreign nationals are not detained for a long period of time.

Furthermore, while taking into consideration the circumstances of individual facilities, the hours of open treatment has been extended and the hours for detained foreign nationals to engage in outdoor activities or to take a bath have been increased to the greatest extent permissible in terms of security. In addition, with the cooperation of the JFBA, periodical medical checks by visiting psychiatrists commenced in June 2011 at the Higashi-Nihon Immigration Center and in February 2012 at the Nishi-Nihon Immigration Center. The Immigration Bureau has therefore been making efforts to accord proper treatment to the detainees with due consideration being given to their human rights.

## ② Activities and Duties of the Immigration Detention Facilities Visiting Committee

The Immigration Detention Facilities Visiting Committee was established for the purpose of securing transparency in security treatment and of improving the management of the immigration detention facilities. Currently there are two committees, one in the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau, and another in the Osaka Regional Immigration Bureau. Each committee takes charge of immigration centers and departure waiting facilities in 25 locations (as at the end of June 2014) spread across Japan. Each committee inspects the facilities, meets with and interviews detainees, checks the opinions and proposals posted by detainees in the proposal boxes, and holds meetings. Based on this information, the committee expresses an opinion to the Director of the Immigration Detention Center or the Director of the Regional Immigration Bureau (hereinafter referred to collectively as "directors").

Over the course of one year from July 2012 to June 2013, 12 inspections and 103 interviews took place in the facilities throughout Japan, and 57 opinions were given to the Directors. On receiving the opinions from the committees, the Directors promptly consider them, and endeavor to take measures where possible.

Committee members, who are selected from people who have a reputable character, possess deep insight and are committed to improving the operations of the immigration detention centers, are appointed as part-time officers by the Minister of Justice. A maximum of no more than ten members may be appointed for each committee from experts from diverse fields, such as academic experts, legal experts, medical experts, NGO workers, the staff of international organizations, and representatives of the local community.