On 20th January, the 60th Open Regular Dialog on GII/IDI was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), attended by seven MOFA officials and 16 NGO member representatives.

Asian tsunami

MOFA reported on Japan's approach to relief for the December 2004 Asian tsunami, outlining financial assistance. MOFA also stated that Japan had launched an international appeal for assistance at an emergency summit conference in Jakarta on 6th January, and had given its commitment to the development of a tsunami early warning system for the region.

NGO representatives suggested that Japan address urgent matters, such as drinking water, vaccinations, and treating physical injuries, as well as rebuilding or installing health services and facilities. The NGOs also pointed out that Japan has good experience in disaster management and reconstruction.

In addition, it was suggested that assistance consider gender concerns, including the human rights of women.

MOFA understood the suggestions, and replied that Japan will provide medium and long-term assistance taking community needs into account. Japan does consider political and social practices in countries receiving assistance, MOFA said, and in building relationships with communities aims to include gender and human rights concerns by, in part, working with local NGOs.

Japan has pledged US$500 million for relief; US$250 million for international institutions, mainly UN agencies, and US$250 million for bilateral assistance. US$5.5 million was pledged for UNFPA.

ODA

The government's review of medium-term ODA policy has received many comments from the public, including those from NGOs.

NGOs suggested that health be referred to as an important global issue as ODA policy on global issues now focuses only on environmental concerns. Furthermore, NGOs would like to be used more positively when building local health capacity.

MOFA stated that Japan provides 30% of global environmental funding thereby having a relative advantage and expertise. MOFA assured the NGOs that health would not be neglected as it is included in the ODA charter, and said that health will be included in post-IDI initiatives concerning achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

MOFA went on to say since there are many players in development the government would not specifically refer to NGOs as partners in ODA policy.

MDGs

Further to the MDGs, MOFA stated that there would be an international review of the MDGs in September 2005, and that Japan would promote its approach to them at, for example, the G8 summit in June.