We are a group which supports foreigners living in
Japan. Founded shortly after the Great Hanshin Earthquake, we have
been offering help and advice to the foreign community mainly around
Osaka.Based on the experience we had after the quake, our activities
include:Telephone counseling, medical assistance, support to the foreign
media,support for migrant children as well as seminars and fieldwork.
We also organize parties and events several times a year.
We believe in protecting fundamental human rights
without prejudice, empowerment to racial and cultural minorities and
forming a basis for mutual co-operation. Without going too much into
detail due to lack of space suffice it to say that,unfortunately,
the police and immigration here clearly lack a basic understanding
of human rights. Although the Japanese Government has ratified the
International Declaration on Human Rights, it does not adhere to the
principle of equality for all residents. One reason they can get away
with actions which would result in dismissals in other countries is
that all we registered (and unregistered) aliens do not know much
about the laws here or where to go for help.That is where the Center
comes into the picture. Affiliated with RINK(Rights of Immigrants
Network In Kansai) and their lawyers the Center is ready and happy
to help people with problems about visas, marriage, work,medical treatment
as well as other problems they may encounter in everyday life here
in Japan.
Telephone counseling in English is available on Fridays
from 18:00 - 21:00. You can also come to the center on the days mentioned
above. Other language counseling is done on Fridays from18:00 - 21:00
as well - in Spanish, Portugese, Thai, Tagalog, Chinese,Korean, Indonesian
and Japanese. We are also always looking for volunteers! Help is free
and strictly confidential. Advice on physical and mental problems
is also available on Thursdays from19:00 - 21:00 . No health insurance
card is needed. In case treatment is needed we can introduce trustworthy
doctors to you. ( Yes, there is such a thing as a trustworthy physician
here). Please call beforehand to make a reservation.