Equal parental rights in international marriage

Parental equality - NOT!
A growing problem . . .

In today's world, some unfortunate by-products of the burgeoning number of international marriages are an increased number of international divorces, broken homes and child custody battles. Because of the additional pressurized circumstances of spouses being from completely different countries and custody laws often favoring the natural-citizen parent, parents have resorted to abducting children of these marriages rather than leaving matters in the hands of what is perceived to be a biased and prejudicial legal system - or, still worse, abducting them for that very reason. Indeed, it is an indisputable fact that in divorce cases the Japanese family courts typically give unfair advantage to the Japanese parent over the foreign-born spouse.

Furthermore, the problem continues to grow. In recent years, there has been no shortage of abduction cases involving children of international marriages being reported by the news media. The Hague Convention Treaty (25 October 1980) on International Child Abduction was crafted to provide a means of protecting children from abduction across national borders by establishing a cooperative procedure to bring about their speedy return. However, the treaty is only valid in countries that have signed it - and, to date, Japan has not, giving this country the dubious distinction of being the destination of choice for parents fleeing with their abducted children.


 
A necessary solution . . .

Though always a painful issue for everyone involved, the Japanese Government must address this matter head-on. All countries that consider themselves to be 'civilized' have a humanitarian responsibility in the global community. Japan is no exception. However, humanitarian responsibility should not limit itself to just environmental or relief efforts outside this nation's borders. We ask the government to answer the call inside Japan as well, to not only sign the Hague Treaty but also to take positive steps toward solving this growing problem by passing new laws to uphold equal custody rights for the foreign parents of international marriages here. Ultimately, it is the children who will benefit from these farsighted actions.


 
Related article . . .
Japan to Sign Hague Convention Treaty
  • “The foreign community and Japanese citizens themselves can't believe that this treaty was not signed and that such inequality remains to exist in a supposedly forward thinking society, it promotes xenophobia and is detrimental to the global community.” -Nathaniel, Manager [Niigata]
  • “This involves the right of children to have two parents, which is very important. No parent should be allowed to kidnap children against the wishes of another parent. Cooperation between countries is vital to stop this happening.” -A.S.C., [Tokyo]
  • “The need for this is quite obvious.” -T.C., Recruiter [Kanagawa]
  • “'Fleeing an abusive spouse' is a red herring as far as reasons not to sign the Hague Treaty goes. An abusive spouse is not necessarily Japanese, and few courts in signatory countries would offer custody to an abusive spouse.” -R.T., [Tokyo]
  • “This is long overdue. Japan will not have its long-held aspiration to become a permanent UN Security Council member come true until issues such as the Hague Treaty are dealt with appropriately.” -Name withheld, Teacher [Nara]
  • “I think that if Japan wants its foreigners to obey Japanese law Japan should obey international law. This concept of shutting out one parent after divorce is absurd and very wrong.” -Aly Rustom, Teacher [Saitama]
  • “This needs to happen so Japan will stop harming the children just because the Japanese mother can't handle a foreign husband.” -G.S.Z., Businesss Owner [Okinawa]
  • “I dislike unilateral 'solutions' to multilateral problems. The Hague Treaty offers the best chance for all-party negotiation.” -Graham, English Teacher [Tokyo]
  • “I lost all parental rights to my two daughters recently due to unfair rulings of the federal and family courts. ” -J.K. [Kyoto]
  • “Japan is years behind the world on this issue and it is not right. Japan needs to recognize that a child needs to be raised by both parents even if they are not married.” -William Carrell [Osaka]