is confirmation of nationality or registration on a family register rather than the eradication of statelessness. Similarly, second generation Japanese-Filipinos who were born between Japanese men who went to the Philippines before and during World War II and local women face problems confirming their nationality and establishing their family registries. A substantial number in this group languish in the state of statelessness, as Philippine laws at the time only recognized children born to Filipino fathers as citizens. In July 2008, 14 out of the 16 who came to Japan to file petitions with family courts for permission to create a family registry did not have Filipino nationality.146 In reality, acquiring this permission (to create family registry) is no easy task. According to the Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center, which supports this effort, since 2004, 54 people have been granted such permission.147 Defectors from the DPRK The specifics with regard to the number and nationality of defectors from the DPRK (so-called dappokusya) have not been publicized.148 The North Korean Human Rights Act approved in 2006 defines dappokusha as “defectors from the DPRK in need of protection and support from a humanitarian standpoint,” and demands that the Japanese government endeavor to take necessary steps for their support and protection. The government also endeavors to support domestic and international dappokusha assistance organizations by providing them, as necessary, with information, as well as financial and other aid (Article 7). It is not rare for DPRK defectors to be registered as stateless on their alien registration pp.151-201. 146 Yasumoto, M., “War-separated Aged Seek Nationality”, Japan Times, July 26, 2008. On April 28, 2008, Upper House Diet Member Hirohiko Nakamura stated at the House of Councilors Budget Committee, that there are approximately 3,000 second generation Japanese Filipinos. Among them, 800 are stateless and 300 have passed away or have no contact address. 147 Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center, Filipine zanryu nihonjin nisei shuseki kyokato kyakka ichiran (The list of second generation Philippino -Japanese persons who were granted/denied permission to create family registry) (as of 17 February 2010), http://www.pnlsc.com/syuseki-data3.html. 148 In response to questions from an MP: “How many North Korean defectors now live in Japan? Could you give us the number according to length of residence and age bracket? How many of these defectors receive welfare benefits from the Japanese government? How many of these have acquired Japanese nationality?”, the government replied “We do not have data concerning your question.” (Government response No.139, December 26, 2008). 54