Historical Consensus on Human Rights: Japan Welcomes A Landmark Year of Progress in Myanmar 

(26 Nov. 2012)

       On 26 November 2012, Japan voted in consensus in the Member States of the United Nations on a resolution entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar.” This resolution, which was taken up by the Third Committee that handles the promotion and protection of human rights, was for the first time voted into effect by consensus since 2005.
       Following the vote, Japan, represented by Mr. Naoto Hisajima, Minister of the Social Section of the Permanent Mission of the Japan to the United Nations, made a statement recognizing the positive developments in Myanmar, calling the past 12 months “a landmark year.” Japan expressed support for cooperation and dialogue within the country and pledged support through humanitarian assistance. Finally, Japan requested the Government of Myanmar to continue addressing the challenges ahead which may lead to absolving future resolutions on their human rights situation.

(See below for the full statement)

(J.C.)

Statement of Japan (EoP) on theresolution A/C.3/67/L.49/Rev.1,
entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

      Japan joined the consensusof the resolution because we share the overall purpose of the resolution as well as the importance of sending a united message from the international community to duly recognize the positive developments that have taken place in Myanmar towards democratization and national reconciliation over the past 12 months.  It was indeed a landmark year.  Japan highly appreciates the series of measures taken by the Government of Myanmar, including the very recent amnesty as a real and substantial development.

      At the same time, Japan believes that it is important for the international community to continue to encourage the Government to take further steps forward.  Japan is also carefully following the situation in Rakhine State, including President U TheinSein's recent initiative to hold a meeting with religious leaders of both communities as well as the activities of an Investigative Commission established by the Government.  Japan supports all concerned parties to work together constructively through humanitarian assistances to the affected communities.

      The approach of the international community on this matter should be one of dialogue and cooperation.  In this spirit, Japan hopes to see the Government continue to address the remaining challenges and take further positive measures so that all may reconsider the necessity of the continuation of this resolution.  The world will be watching. Japan intends to continue supporting the Government's efforts to further improve its human rights situation by all relevant means including a dialogue.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.