China’s highest court issues rules to make it easier for domestic violence victims to obtain personal security protective orders; the UN Human Rights Committee concludes its review of Hong Kong’s implementation of the ICCPR; Japanese health authorities seek to empower hotels to reject guests suspected of having Covid; a South Korean bishop calls for reinstatement of the country’s abortion ban, which was lifted only in 2021; a Taiwan court confirms the state’s ownership of two former presidents’ diaries.

Shenzhen becomes the first Chinese city to allow advance medical directives; the UN Human Rights Committee begins reviewing Hong Kong’s rights record under the National Security Law; Japan’s #MeToo movement symbol Shiori Ito achieves final victory at the Supreme Court; reports of workplace harassment climb in South Korea as employees return to the office; prosecutors in Taiwan charge a police officer for his use of force.

China drafts its first law on compulsory enforcement of civil judgments; Hong Kong amends its occupational safety and health regulations; Japan’s Supreme Court finds the government not liable for the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident; South Korean police apprehend more than 5,000 suspects in the five months since the enactment of an anti-stalking law; Taiwan’s CEDAW compliance review finds an increase in reports of domestic violence.

China’s ecology and environment ministry issues regulations on compensation for ecological and environmental damage; Japan passes a bill to provide more support for vulnerable women who are victims of sexual or domestic violence; a South Korean court posthumously exonerates 20 more persons who were imprisoned following the 1948 Jeju Uprising; Taiwan amends its mining law to require the approval of indigenous people and environmental impact assessments.

China’s legislature releases its 2022 legislative plan; Japan’s Supreme Court plans to digitalize civil judicial procedures; South Korea’s departing president further strips prosecutors of investigation powers; Hong Kong’s global rank in press freedoms plummets; Taiwan announces its first national human rights action plan.

Chinese courts are ending the practice of “same life, different price”; the Hong Kong government acknowledges delays in handling cases related to the 2019 protests; an OECD working group expresses concern over the South Korean ruling party’s bid to strip prosecutors of investigatory powers; trade unions in Taiwan say employers should be held accountable for occupational injuries.

China increases judicial financial assistance to women in need and punishes local officials in Shaanxi for ignoring human trafficking; Hong Kong courts complete 80% of cases that have been brought to them in connection with the 2019 protest; Japan lowers the age of majority in the criminal justice system and promptly releases the name of a 19-year old suspect; Taiwan police prepare to enforce a new stalking law.