Abstract
The U. N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities （hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”） is an international standard for policies related to persons with disabilities. The Convention is characterized by the adoption of a “comprehensive model of human rights” that guarantees the right to freedom and social rights, and is based on the premise that reasonable accommodation through affirmative actions can be used to remedy discrimination. Article 28 of the Convention clearly states that “appropriate services according to one’s needs” should be provided, and that “assistance for expenses related to disability shall be used”. The “Concluding Observations on Japan’s Report” （hereinafter referred to as “Concluding Observations”）, adopted by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in September 2022, clearly states the following : “The social security system that ensures an adequate standard of living for persons with disabilities and their families is insufficient”, and that “Disability pensions are significantly lower than the average income of the people”. Thus, the relative deprivation of persons with disabilities in Japan is clearly recognized, and drastic improvements in income security for persons with disabilities, such as disability pensions, are recommended.
This paper re-examines the current state of disability pensions under Japan’s universal pension coverage system, through documents related to the Convention, to assess the possibility of expanded implementation of disability pensions in Japan in accordance with the 2022 Concluding Observations.
