A U.N. panel expressed concern Thursday about "the high level of violence, sexual abuse and exploitation of children" in Japan, in the wake of the death of a 10-year-old girl in Chiba Prefecture due to alleged mistreatment.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child called on the government to "prioritize the elimination of all forms of violence against children," including by putting in place effective reporting mechanisms for victims.
Concerns have been rekindled here over child abuse cases after Mia Kurihara died in January at her home due to alleged mistreatment by her parents, including food and sleep deprivation. Early investigations uncovered how a child welfare center, her school and local authorities failed to respond promptly to the girl's repeated pleas for help.