In a new guide for reporters covering the Games, published today, Human Rights Watch warned the Japanese Government "should immediately act to build a legacy of respect for human rights in Japan and beyond".

Human Rights Watch cited issues including the country failing to pass a national law to extend legal protection to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people, despite widespread calls for the Government to do so before Olympics are due to open on July 23.

A separate report from Human Rights Watch last year documented how Japanese child athletes are routinely subjected to physical, sexual and verbal abuse from their coaches.

Entitled I Was Hit So Many Times I Can't Count: Abuse of Child Athletes in Japan, the report outlined how some athletes had taken their own lives as a result of the abuse they had suffered.

The report prompted International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach to organise a telephone meeting with Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita to address measures to eradicate harassment and rights abuses in Japanese sport.

"People around the world recognise that the Olympics are more than just a sporting competition, but this event should also serve as a pivotal moment for the host country’s international image," said Kanae Doi, Japan director at Human Rights Watch.

"The Japanese Government should take action now that demonstrates to the world that it is serious about being a global human rights leader by addressing these well-documented problems at home."

The Olympics, pushed back to this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is due to end on August 8 before the Paralympic Games open on August 24 and conclude on September 5.

To read the full report click here.