Social activists and NGO representatives from Osaka and beyond called on Japan and Group of 20 leaders Wednesday to ensure input from the public is included in their deliberations.
"At a time of shrinking public space worldwide and when human rights and democracy are under threat, it is imperative that the voices of people with different values are respected," said Tatsuro Niikawa, head of the two-day G20 Osaka Citizens' Summit, a gathering of both professional and volunteer activists that concluded Wednesday.
Niikawa said it is important that women, LGBTI, the physically challenged, indigenous people, and others are not marginalized, and that the voices of ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities, as well as refugees and the elderly, are heard.
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