Conclusions and Outlook
The formulation of coherent refugee policy is now a global issue fuelling controversy at a domestic level and amongst the community of nations. In response to this Japan has played its part as a major donor nation. It has led the way in contributing to international refugee aid and assistance programmes and been at the forefront of those countries ready to offer rapid financial assistance at times of emergency or sudden crisis. The next step is for Japan to develop fully its humanitarian response beyond that of predominantly donor status. That process has begun and the issue of asylum seekers and refugees is now being addressed at the political level. The 2004 revision of the ICRRA demonstrated a willingness on the part of the Japanese government to recognize the need for change. It also represented an important step toward ensuring that refugees can access and enjoy the full protection guaranteed to them under international refugee law. Although there are shortcomings in the new law, its implementation should herald the start of a process of engagement and learning leading to further revisions in the light of experience. As part of this process UNHCR has an important future role in continuing to build and strengthen protection capacities within Japan. In particular it will need to continue providing technical advice and assistance in developing appropriate refugee status determination and resettlement procedures. However, the revision of rules, processes and procedures is only one element of a complex picture.