A/HRC/22/14 progressive introduction of free education” referred to in sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) of paragraph 2, article 13. 10. Japan issued a standing invitation to the special procedures of the Human Rights Council in 2011, and a visit by Special Rapporteur on the right to health was scheduled for November. 11. The sovereignty of the people and respect for fundamental human rights were considered as fundamental principles in the Constitution. Japan has been making continuous efforts to improve its domestic human rights situation. 12. The Human Rights Organs of the Ministry of Justice are carrying out human rights protection activities. In September 2012, the Cabinet adopted a decision confirming the content of a bill to establish an independent Human Rights Commission, compliant with the Paris Principles, and a bill to partially amend the Human Rights Volunteers Act, in order to submit them to the next Diet session. The Government of Japan would make further efforts in making necessary preparations for its establishment. 13. Japan recognized the merits of the audiovisual recording of interrogations in that it facilitated an accurate judgment of whether a confession was made voluntarily. Japan had been conducting recordings of suspect interrogations under certain conditions and has been gradually expanding its scope, on an experimental basis. Advisory boards of the Minister of Justice were currently exploring and deliberating on the structuring of a new and up-todate, broad criminal-justice system, including the institutionalization of its audiovisual recording. Japan is hoping to receive a report from its boards as soon as possible and realize its institutionalization. 14. Japan had a system that guaranteed human rights and appropriate treatment in detention facilities. The detention of suspects in police facilities played an important role in criminal justice proceedings as it facilitates the efficient conduct of proper investigations. The police detention facilities were usually located in areas accessible to the detainee’s family members and lawyers, allowing them easy contact with detainees. The Act on Penal Detention Facilities stipulated the principle of the “separation between investigation and detention,” which clearly states that a police officer working in detention affairs shall not engage in criminal investigations against a detainee. A Committee that functions independently from the police, whose members include lawyers, also inspected detention facilities. Detainees could further file complaints with the Prefectural Public Safety Commission, which exercised administrative supervision over the police. 15. Japan’s basic position on the issue of retention or abolition of the death penalty was that this should be examined carefully based on domestic public opinion, the crime situation, the criminal policy and other factors. The decision on this issue should be made by each country of its own accord. The majority of the Japanese people considered the death penalty to be unavoidable in the case of extremely vicious crimes, and there seems to be no end to such crimes. Therefore, Japan considered that an immediate abolition of the death penalty was not appropriate. 16. Japan was working to realize a gender-equal society based on the Third Basic Plan for Gender Equality, formulated in 2010, and an Action Plan for Economic Revival through Women’s Active Participation, formulated in 2012. 17. Japan had drawn up a new “Japan’s 2009 Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons”, through which agencies are working together. The Government compiled in 2011 guidelines outlining the measures to be taken by the concerned ministries and agencies engaged in combating trafficking in persons. Through these efforts, Japan was working to identify and protect victims of human trafficking. 4