Gov't panel proposes measures against gender discrimination at work
December 27, 2005An advisory panel to the health, labor and welfare minister compiled Tuesday a report containing recommendations to tackle gender discrimination in the workplace, including plans for facilitating maternity leave, banning indirect discrimination and reinforcing measures against sexual harassment. Based on the proposals by the labor policy panel, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will present a bill to the Diet next year to revise the law guaranteeing equal employment opportunities and treatment for both men and women.
China remains opposed to Japan joining UNSC despite talks
December 27, 2005China remains opposed to Japan's bid for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council despite bilateral talks on the issue, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. China opposes any reform that would cause a split in the U.N. membership, spokesman Qin Gang said.