Protection of the Human Rights of Refugees in Japan: from the perspective of Islamic Law and International Refugee Law - the Rohingyas as a case study

Abstract

This research examines the policy of human rights protection of refugees in Japan which is solely based on the 1951 Refugee Convention. In an evolving global context, the definition of refugees that the Convention provides doesn’t seem to cover all the individuals who seek refuge: does the Refugee Convention possess a comprehensive framework that adequately addresses the protection of human rights for them? Considering the study of UNHCR suggests the significance of Islamic Law in the perspective of human rights, it will discuss the similarities and differences between Islamic Law and International Refugee Laws. Examining the case of Rohingya refugees in Japan emphasizes the importance of interpreting refugee status more broadly than stipulated by the Refugee Convention. Ultimately, it will suggest that Japan should extend the definition of refugee beyond the 1951 Refugee Convention by referencing to Islamic and International Refugee law.