Japan becomes first Asian country to resettle refugees
Japan has become the first country in Asia to allow the permanent resettlement of refugees, opening its doors to several families from Myanmar.
So far only five Asian countries -- China, Cambodia, the Philippines, East Timor and Japan -- have signed the UN Refugee Convention.
The UNHCR says there were nearly nine million refugees around the world last year, with more than a quarter of them in the Asia-Pacific.
This year Japan has opened its doors to several families from Myanmar, but settling into the country has its difficulties.
Al Jazeera's Steve Chao reports from Tokyo. (Oct 16, 2010)
So far only five Asian countries -- China, Cambodia, the Philippines, East Timor and Japan -- have signed the UN Refugee Convention.
The UNHCR says there were nearly nine million refugees around the world last year, with more than a quarter of them in the Asia-Pacific.
This year Japan has opened its doors to several families from Myanmar, but settling into the country has its difficulties.
Al Jazeera's Steve Chao reports from Tokyo. (Oct 16, 2010)