Opening and Closing Remarks by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Online Symposium in the UN on the Abductions Issue
2023/6/29
Opening Remarks
Thank you,
His Excellency Mr. MATSUNO Hirokazu,
His Excellency Mr. FURUYA Keiji,
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield,
Ambassador Mitchell Fifield,
Ambassador Joonkook Hwang,
Ambassador Björn Olof Skoog,
Dear speakers, panelists, ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honored to co-host the online symposium on the abductions issue at the United Nations, alongside Australia, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union.
The participation of these four esteemed Ambassadors as co-hosts is evidence of the international community's support for this issue.
The issue of abductions has become a global concern. Japan, in collaboration with partner countries, has been actively working towards the swift resolution of this issue on the global stage, including within the UN.
Today, we have the unique opportunity to directly hear the perspectives of the families of abductees by the DPRK from Japan and Thailand. Additionally, we are joined by distinguished panel members who possess expertise on the human rights situation in the DPRK. My expectation is that this symposium will deepen our understanding of the cruel nature of abductions and raise awareness of the urgent need and potential approaches to resolving this issue.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The international community has consistently and unitedly demanded the immediate return of all abductees by the DPRK. This includes the annual adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK, which receives overwhelming support from UN member states.
I also take this opportunity to emphasize that it is time for the Security Council to formally address the human rights situation in the DPRK through an open briefing. The Council should deliberate on the DPRK's human rights violations and abuses, including the abductions issue, and their implications for international peace and security. This step will strengthen the collective will of the international community and generate further momentum towards resolving the abductions issue.
Lastly, I sincerely hope that today's symposium will provide reassurance to the families of the victims who have endured years of pain and suffering. They should know that the international community will continue to collaborate tirelessly towards the earliest possible resolution of this issue.
Thank you.
His Excellency Mr. MATSUNO Hirokazu,
His Excellency Mr. FURUYA Keiji,
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield,
Ambassador Mitchell Fifield,
Ambassador Joonkook Hwang,
Ambassador Björn Olof Skoog,
Dear speakers, panelists, ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honored to co-host the online symposium on the abductions issue at the United Nations, alongside Australia, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union.
The participation of these four esteemed Ambassadors as co-hosts is evidence of the international community's support for this issue.
The issue of abductions has become a global concern. Japan, in collaboration with partner countries, has been actively working towards the swift resolution of this issue on the global stage, including within the UN.
Today, we have the unique opportunity to directly hear the perspectives of the families of abductees by the DPRK from Japan and Thailand. Additionally, we are joined by distinguished panel members who possess expertise on the human rights situation in the DPRK. My expectation is that this symposium will deepen our understanding of the cruel nature of abductions and raise awareness of the urgent need and potential approaches to resolving this issue.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The international community has consistently and unitedly demanded the immediate return of all abductees by the DPRK. This includes the annual adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK, which receives overwhelming support from UN member states.
I also take this opportunity to emphasize that it is time for the Security Council to formally address the human rights situation in the DPRK through an open briefing. The Council should deliberate on the DPRK's human rights violations and abuses, including the abductions issue, and their implications for international peace and security. This step will strengthen the collective will of the international community and generate further momentum towards resolving the abductions issue.
Lastly, I sincerely hope that today's symposium will provide reassurance to the families of the victims who have endured years of pain and suffering. They should know that the international community will continue to collaborate tirelessly towards the earliest possible resolution of this issue.
Thank you.
Closing Remarks
Distinguished representatives, speakers, panelists and participants, thank you very much for the rich discussion today.
I deeply value the strong messages conveyed by the esteemed Permanent Representatives to the United Nations. It reflects the extensive support of the international community regarding the abductions issue.
Moreover, we listened to the voices of the families of abductees from Japan and Thailand. It is distressing to hear of the immense suffering endured by the victims and their families over numerous years. Clearly, there is an urgent need to address this issue without delay.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the esteemed panelists who shared their insightful perspectives on this pressing matter. I ask for your continued involvement on this issue.
In conclusion, I want to reiterate Japan's unwavering dedication to exerting every possible effort towards the prompt resolution of the abductions issue. I hope that everyone present here today will join forces and work together towards this goal.
Thank you.
I deeply value the strong messages conveyed by the esteemed Permanent Representatives to the United Nations. It reflects the extensive support of the international community regarding the abductions issue.
Moreover, we listened to the voices of the families of abductees from Japan and Thailand. It is distressing to hear of the immense suffering endured by the victims and their families over numerous years. Clearly, there is an urgent need to address this issue without delay.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the esteemed panelists who shared their insightful perspectives on this pressing matter. I ask for your continued involvement on this issue.
In conclusion, I want to reiterate Japan's unwavering dedication to exerting every possible effort towards the prompt resolution of the abductions issue. I hope that everyone present here today will join forces and work together towards this goal.
Thank you.