Japan Halts Funding to UN Panel Over Call to Revise Male-Only Imperial Succession

The Japanese government has frozen contributions to a UN women's rights committee following its recommendation to allow female emperors, citing national sovereignty concerns.

• Japan has suspended voluntary funding to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) after it recommended revising the Imperial House Law to allow female succession to the throne.
• The 1947 Imperial House Law restricts succession to male descendants from the paternal line, a rule criticized by CEDAW as discriminatory against women.
• Japanese officials argue that imperial succession is a matter of national sovereignty and not a basic human rights issue, rejecting CEDAW's recommendations.
• The move highlights tensions between Japan's conservative ruling party, which opposes female emperors, and public opinion, with polls showing 90% support for allowing a reigning empress.
• Japan's imperial family faces a succession crisis, with only four male members remaining, prompting debates over alternative solutions to preserve the monarchy.

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