Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Launch of the Group of Friends For the Elimination of violence against women and girls

Thank you, Olof. And I also would like to join other colleagues in expressing our appreciation to the steering committee members for their leadership in launching this timely and very important initiative.

As is called “shadow pandemic”, the surge in violence against women and girls under COVID-19 is less visible than the spread of the disease itself. However, I think for that very reason, we should make extra efforts to prevent and redress this blatant threat to human security. The vaccine for this pandemic resides in the heart of us; the respect for dignity of each. We need to nurture that respect and we need to extend a helping hand to those in need.
 
To be honest in Japan as well, the number of reported cases of monthly domestic violence has increased under COVID. In April, our Government scaled up the hotlines for the domestic violence victims across the country. The service is available 24 hours by phone calls and social media including web chats, and in ten languages to cover non-Japanese speakers as well.   
 
And on the international cooperation front, Japan made additional voluntary contribution to UN-Women in July to support its regional projects aimed at protection and empowerment of victims of violence against women under the COVID-19 situation in various countries.
 
So, collective actions are really required. Japan stands ready to work with the members of this friends group to respond to the Secretary General’s appeal, and to reach out to each and every woman and girl in need.

Thank you very much.