Implementation of the Kyoto Declaration

At the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (the Kyoto Congress) held in March 2021, participants from all over the world, including ministers of justice and attorneys general, discussed various issues, and “the Kyoto Declaration” was adopted as the outcome document. Japan has developed the following three initiatives to lead the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration, aiming at promoting the rule of law throughout the international community.

The United Nations Model Strategies on Reducing Reoffending (the Kyoto Model Strategies)
Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness
Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific

Reducing reoffending was an issue of great interest at the Kyoto Congress, and a consensus that international society should promote activities to reduce reoffending was reached. One of the measures to promote this international consensus is to establish new United Nations standards and norms. In the past, UN Crime Congresses have triggered the formulation of various UN standards and norms and contributed to the development of the criminal justice systems in the world.

The Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has led the formulation of the new United Nations standards and norms, and “the United Nations Model Strategies on Reducing Reoffending (the Kyoto Model Strategies)” were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 December 2025.

The Kyoto Model Strategies incorporate Japan’s expertise in reducing reoffending such as individualized approach tailored to each inmate’s characteristic, public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Building on the momentum for the promotion of reducing reoffending by the adoption of the Kyoto Model Strategies, the Ministry of Justice aims to enhance the international recognition of and contribute to promoting the global use of community volunteers, including hogoshi (volunteer probation officer), incorporated in the Kyoto Model Strategies. The Ministry will also share knowledge on measures to reduce reoffending in correctional facilities, such as individualized correctional treatment tailored to each inmate's characteristics and support for reintegration into society, with other countries.

Furthermore, the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI), operated by the Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the United Nations, has contributed to institutional development and capacity-building of criminal justice practitioners through international training programmes and other activities related to the Kyoto Model Strategies and will continue to provide such support.

Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Justice will contribute to enhancing measures to reduce reoffending at home and abroad, and aim for the realization of a safe, secure, and prosperous society.

Promotional video - Japan’s Initiative for Reducing Reoffending -

Correctional Bureau Website
Rehabilitation Bureau Website
UNAFEI Website
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Japan organized “the Kyoto Congress Youth Forum” in conjunction with the Kyoto Congress in 2021 and “the Kyoto Declaration”, which is the outcome document of the Kyoto Congress, highlighted the importance of youth empowerment through holding the youth forums.

Against this background, the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which serves as the secretariat of the Congress, has held “the Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness” four times since 2021 to 2026.

*“A Culture of Lawfulness” refers to a culture in which the general public respects the law and its enforcement, trusting that they are just and fair. It is important factor which supports the rule of law in society.

The youth forum has become a valuable opportunity for youths to deepen their understanding of contemporary issues on the rule of law and justice, understand and share their diverse backgrounds and values, and foster networks and friendships as well as bring their voices to the international community.

Through such initiatives, the Ministry of Justice aims to promote youth empowerment, which is an important element in fostering a culture of lawfulness, and to strengthen the rule of law in the international community.

The 1st Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness
The 2nd Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness
The 3rd Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness
The 4th Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness

 

The Kyoto Declaration confirmed the importance of strengthening international cooperation and establishing regional networks among law enforcement agencies. In this regard, it was recognized that there is a need to deepen mutual understanding among countries towards further strengthening international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region including Japan.

Therefore, the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has held the Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific (Crim-AP) four times between 2022 to 2025 to further enhancement of the international cooperation by sharing information on legal frameworks and practices in respective countries in the Asia-Pacific region and establishing networks among practitioners.

The Forum brought together criminal justice practitioners from countries and organizations across the Asia-Pacific region to share knowledge and build networks.

Through the Forum and related initiatives, the Ministry of Justice has advanced international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting mutual understanding and trust among countries. The Ministry of Justice will continue to further strengthen such cooperation through various initiatives.

The 1st Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific
The 2nd Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific
The 3rd Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific
The 4th Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific