In Japan, the PARinAC process started in earnest in late 1995 with some 25 members. Since then, it has served as a forum for dialogue in Japan for Japan-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which are UNHCR implementing partners and/or which have an interest in refugee issues. The aim of PARinAC Japan has been to increase information exchange and coordination between Japan-based NGOs and UNHCR, with the ultimate objective being greater involvement of Japan-based NGOs in UNHCR operations. The PARinAC Forum is led by the National Focal Point – elected for a two-year term from among the NGO partners – and supported by a UNHCR official from RO Tokyo. There is no regular budget with which to operate, but resources have generally been forthcoming from both public and private sectors as required.

In addition to the regular monthly meetings, activities include training, workshops, lectures, conferences and consultations at the national, regional and international levels. Nationally, their efforts have resulted in establishing dialogues with and mobilising support of the government of Japan, parliamentarians and members of Japanese civil society regarding their work in humanitarian work. The major initiatives for the region were hosting the PARinAC Regional Conference for Asia in 1998 (Tokyo), with the support of the Japanese government, and assuming responsibility as the Regional Focal Point during 1998 and 1999. Internationally in 1999, some partners were involved in emergency response activities in two major UNHCR humanitarian operations (Kosovo and East Timor), and PARinAC Japan was represented, for the first time, in the pre-EXCOM meeting in Geneva with support from the Japanese Government.

As of today, there are some 40 Japan-based NGOs that have participated in the PARinAC process. This directory however includes only 18 of those which provided their information. As this exercise is intended to be updated regularly, it is hoped that future editions will include information about a growing number of Japan-based NGOs.

Tokyo, October 2000

 

List of Japan-Based NGOs under PARinAC Japan whose Staffing List and Organizational Profile are provided in the Directory Amnesty International Japanese Section Asia Pacific NPO Assistance Club (APANAC) Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan Association of Medical Doctors for ASIA (AMDA) BHN Association Bridge Asia Japan (BAJ) International Social Service Japan (ISSJ) Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) Japan Emergency NGOS (JEN) Japan International Volunteers Center (JVC) Japan Legal Aid Association (JLAA) Japanese Red Cross Society (JRC) Medical Relief Unit, Japan (MeRU) Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) Refugee Assistance Headqurters (RHQ) Save the Children Japan (SCJ) Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) World Vision Japan