Japan becomes 91st signatory to 1980 Hague Convention

On Friday 24 January 2014, Japan became the 91st Contracting State to the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Japan’s instrument of ratification was deposited by H.E. Mr Masaru Tsuji, Japan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, who was accompanied by several other officials. The broad delegation underlines the importance that the Japanese Government attaches to this event. Japan’s ratification of the Convention is indeed a milestone in the history of the Convention, which will provide a key tool to return children victims of cross-border abduction involving a Japanese parent. The Convention will enter into force for Japan on 1 April 2014. In May 2013, the Diet had approved Japan’s compliance to the treaty, sending out a clear indicator that the country was steadily moving toward participation. Until today, Japan was the only country in the Group of Eight (G8) that has not affirmed the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention. The following month (June) Japan’s Parliament enacted a law stipulating domestic implementation procedures for the Hague child abduction treaty. Japan’s Parliament established procedures requiring the country to create a Central Authority under the auspices of the Foreign Ministry. The Central Authority’s responsibilities include the tasks of locating children who have been abducted and encourage families involved in international parental child abduction claims to settle disputes through consultations. If the consultations fail, family courts in Tokyo and Osaka specifically trained in 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention matters will decide on matters. The Central Authority will be staffed with legal experts in international private law as well child psychologist and domestic violence counselors. A third Hague Court location could later be added.