UN's civil, political rights committee begins scrutiny of Japan

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has begun its evaluation of Japan's civil and political rights situation.

Convening at the U.N. committee's office in Geneva, the committee for civil and political rights, consisting of 18 experts, is examining Japan on its measures to implement the terms of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Following the two-day scrutiny process due to be closed today (Wednesday), the committee is set to publish 'concluding observations' with their concerns and recommendations at the end of the month.

The main Japanese issues under review include 'comfort women,' who were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War Two, as well as protests that incite hatred and discrimination against Koreans.

The U.N. performs such evaluations every five to six years, in order to protect basic human rights in ratified countries.