Currently, over 120 million people—out of the world’s 8.1 billion—have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. The United Nations projects that the global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050. By then, will these displaced individuals have been able to return home? Will we be living in a world free from war, violence, and fear?

Will we be part of a society where all Inochi is respected, and where no one is left behind?

Currently, there are more than 100 armed conflicts around the world, including wars in which the use of nuclear weapons is a real possibility. It is estimated that more than 300 million people now require humanitarian assistance, due to war, climate change, infectious diseases, and other crises. The COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 spread globally. War has erupted in Europe and the Middle East, with missiles flying overhead. Many lives have been lost. These events, even if seemingly distant, have impacted our daily lives, such as through rapid inflation—making us realize how interconnected the world truly is.

Closer to home, more people from abroad have moved into our communities. Among them are those who fled war, dictatorship, or persecution. Even among those born and raised in Japan, some struggle with poverty, illness, or the aftermath of natural disasters. In our schools, workplaces, and local communities, are we sure there is no bullying or abuse directed at vulnerable individuals? Can everyone— regardless of gender or gender identity—speak freely and participate equally in decision-making?

Every person is born with the right to live with dignity. These rights, known as human rights, affirm that each of us has the right to live with pride, purpose, and the ability to let our Inochi shine. To realize human rights, we must respect others as we respect ourselves and honor each person’s Inochi. It requires cooperation so that everyone can realize their abilities and potential.

Countries where armed conflicts involving the government as a party have occurred

Support activities for realizing security, photo: Kenshiro Imamura / JICA

The JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development continues to explore how to achieve human security through its research projects, which examine global issues from multiple perspectives including “politics and governance”, “peacebuilding and humanitarian aid”. Human security calls for the protection and empowerment of vulnerable populations—such as women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—against threats like war and natural disasters. At its core, it aims to help each per- son unlock their potential and expand their choices. Realiz- ing this vision requires collaboration across governments, societies, generations, and organizations. JICA shares the concept and practice of human security through seminars, training programs, and publications, creating opportunities for engagement both in Japan and abroad.

It is essential to imagine and understand what is happening in the world today—and how it connects to our own lives. We must cultivate empathy for the dignity of Inochi of others across borders and backgrounds and consider what each of us can do. JICA also contributes to advancing human security education in schools through development educa- tion and global awareness programs. Let us work together to create a society in which everyone—wherever they live— can live freely and with dignity, without fear of war or per- secution, and without having their worth denied. Let us act now, so that by 2050, all 9.7 billion people living on Earth can take pride in their own Inochi and cherish the Inochi of others while living together in peace.

The Inochi Forum will collaborate with public institutions such as JICA to support actions that uphold the dignity of Inochi and human security for all.

[References]

・UNHCR

Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Data

・UNOCHA

Humanitarian Needs

・World Economic Forum

Global Gender Gap Report 2024

・Ipsos

LGBT+Pride 2021 Global Survey

・UNICEF

Children’s Protection Index and Disability Inclusion

・OECD

Migration and Integration Systems

・WHO

Suicide: One Person Dies Every 40 Seconds

・JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Develop- ment

https://www.jica.go.jp/jica_ri/index.html

[Action Platform]

Peace and Human Rights

[SDGs]