A/HRC/22/14 18. Japan was carrying out intensive institutional reforms concerning persons with disabilities and is moving steadily toward an early conclusion of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Japan had already signed. 19. Japan continued its active efforts toward building a rich and cohesive society in which Ainu people could live with a sense of pride. In 2008, the Diet adopted a resolution calling for the recognition of the Ainu as an indigenous people. Since 2010, the Council for Ainu Policy Promotion, with Ainu representation, has been promoting Ainu policies comprehensively and effectively. 20. In 2009, Japan amended the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act to specify that, in cases of deportations, the destination shall not include the countries proscribed in the Convention against Torture or in CPED. Further, Japan established an expert committee to ensure transparency of treatment and improve management at immigration detention facilities. Free legal counselling is also being provided by Attorneys to detainees under an agreement with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. 21. Nineteen months had passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Japan expressed its heartfelt appreciation for the generous assistance extended to it by many countries. Japan is committed to alleviating the continuing hardship of affected people and carrying out reconstruction projects. 22. Japan continued its work for the improvement of its domestic human rights situation as well as to contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights at the international level, in close cooperation with the United Nations, Governments of other countries, civil society and others. 23. Japan looked forward to engaging in a constructive exchange of opinions in the course of the interactive dialogue. 24. Responding to advance questions, Japan referred to the issue of direct and indirect discrimination. It noted that article 14 of the Constitution of Japan provides that all people are equal under the law. 25. Japan indicated that in 2010, it had submitted a resolution to the United Nations calling for sufficient attention to the principles and guidelines for the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy, which was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly. Japan would continue to support the work of the Goodwill Ambassador on the persons affected by leprosy. 26. In response to questions on the rights of children born out of wedlock, it noted that as long as the birth of a child is notified in accordance with the law and the information is correct, children are registered in the family register. There were no discriminatory provisions regarding nationality. Under the Civil Code, shares of inheritance for a child born out of wedlock are one half of that of a child born in wedlock. This was an attempt to respect the status of a child born from the legal spouse while giving consideration for the child born out of wedlock. Japan is however continuing to address revising the civil code. 27. Regarding corporal punishment of children, information had been provided in the national report. Corporal punishment at schools and at home is prohibited. Furthermore, the civil code was revised in 2011, with a view to preventing child abuse and protecting children. Corporal punishment in penal institutions, juvenile training schools and other correctional facilities was deemed to be in violation the Constitution and other legislation. 28. Japan provided information on human rights education activities offered in the schools, as well as on human rights education research promotion projects. 29. Regarding efforts to address violence against women, Japan referred to coordinated efforts undertaken to enhance support services, including protection actions. 5