The government and a just and efficient legal system generally assure observance of constitutionally provided human rights. However, there continue to be reports of physical and psychological abuse of prisoners or detainees. Officials are sometimes dismissed for such abuse but are seldom tried, convicted, or imprisoned. The constitution sets out explicitly the civil liberties and rights enjoyed by the Japanese people. It provides for the right of workers to associate freely in unions, whose members may organize, bargain, and act collectively.
Collective bargaining is practiced widely, and unions are free of government control.
The Japanese Trade Union Confederation is Japan's largest labor organization. The government is committed to the rights and welfare of children, and in general the rights of children are adequately protected. There is no pattern of societal abuse against children, and both boys and girls have equal access to health care and to other public facilities. Under the revised Labor Standards Law of 1987, children under 15 years of age may not be employed as workers, and those under age 18 may not be employed in dangerous or harmful work. The Ministry of Labor rigorously enforces child labor laws.