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Sports associations

Japan Advances in Protecting Athletes from Abuse

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Japan's sports organizations have long struggled with reports of physical and verbal abuse against athletes. However, a recent development has given new hope to those fighting against such mistreatment. The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) has issued a Human Rights Policy and an Integrity Code of Conduct, aimed at preventing and prohibiting human rights violations in the sport. This move comes two months after Japan's parliament passed an amendment to the Basic Act on Sport, which obligates sports organizations to make efforts to prevent abuse against athletes. Despite the progress, experts point out that the policies still contain a significant gap - they do not specify the measures needed to be taken in cases of violations, nor do they provide an independent and effective complaint mechanism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) has issued a Human Rights Policy and an Integrity Code of Conduct to prevent and prohibit human rights violations in athletics, including physical abuse and harassment.
  • The JAAF's Human Rights Policy requires the organization to uphold human rights protected in domestic and international law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • The Integrity Code of Conduct calls for an environment free from harassment and abuse, seeking to prevent sexual harassment of athletes by coaches and others.
  • Despite the policies, experts note a significant gap - they do not specify measures to take in cases of violations or provide an independent and effective complaint mechanism to alleviate concerns about retaliation.
  • Japanese groups are advised to look to the international Safe Sport movement, which has established independent entities to address athlete abuse in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
  • The revised Basic Act on Sport requires national and local governments to adopt measures against abuse in sport, and the Japanese government is encouraged to establish an independent body to address child abuse in sport.
  • The body would encourage sports organizations to strengthen human rights policies and provide a safe platform for athletes to seek support if they experience abuse.

Statistics:

  • The JAAF's Human Rights Policy and Integrity Code of Conduct were issued on August 26, 2025.
  • The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo opened on September 13, 2025.
  • Abuse against men, women, and children in Japanese sports has been prevalent for long.
  • Only 2% of Japanese sports organizations have implemented human rights policies.

Sources:

  • "Protection of Athletes Advances in Japan"

- Human Rights Watch (HRW), September 19, 2025

- [www.hrw.org/news/2025/09/19/protection-of-athletes-advances-in-japan](http://www.hrw.org/news/2025/09/19/protection-of-athletes-advances-in-japan)

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