Statement by Mr. KAWAHARA Kazutaka, Minister in charge of Social Affairs, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Debate of the 80th Session of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

Mr. Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

Today, the international community faces serious and complex challenges, including armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. In this context, it is more urgent than ever to uphold the universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of all human rights. Japan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, and will continue to work in close cooperation with Member States, the UN system, and civil society.

I would now like to provide an overview of Japan’s approach to key areas and situations of concern in this field.

(Human Rights Situations)
Japan remains deeply concerned about serious human rights violations in several parts of the world.

We continue to urge the DPRK to address the longstanding violations documented by the United Nations, including the issue of abductions of Japanese citizens, which remains of the utmost importance to Japan. With the aging of the abductees and their families, the abductions issue is a humanitarian and time sensitive issue with no time to spare. This year, both the report issued by OHCHR on the update since the publication of the report of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea in 2014 and the High-level Plenary Meeting on the Human Rights Abuses and Violations in North Korea held on the 20^th of May have highlighted the need for urgent action, including on the abductions issue. Japan will continue to strongly urge North Korea to end violations and return all the abductees back to Japan immediately, in close cooperation with the international community.

Japan condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in grave violation of international law as well as international human rights and humanitarian law, and we continue to demand full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Japan once again urges Russia to repatriate children abducted from Ukraine immediately so they can be reunited with their loved ones.

The worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the reported ongoing famine, is utterly unacceptable. Japan reiterates that all parties must abide by international humanitarian law and secure the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza.

Japan remains seriously concerned about the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. We believe it is important that freedom, respect for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law, which are universal values in the international community, be guaranteed in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet, and Hong Kong as well. We continue to strongly urge China to take additional constructive and concrete steps, including enhancing transparency. 

Furthermore, Japan is gravely concerned about the human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the severe restrictions imposed on women and girls. Regrettably, there has been no progress towards ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and girls in Afghan society. We call on the Taliban to immediately reverse oppressive measures and to respect the rights and dignity of all Afghans.

Japan is equally troubled by the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar. We are deeply concerned that general elections held without any political progress may only jeopardize prospects for peaceful resolution. We urge the military to immediately cease violence, release those arbitrarily detained, and return to an inclusive democratic process.

Civilians in Sudan must also be protected amid compounded risks of human rights violations and acute food insecurity. Japan repeats its call on all parties to conflict to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, secure unrestricted humanitarian access in all parts of Sudan, end the hostilities, and facilitate an orderly transition to civilian rule.

As conflicts and humanitarian situations become protracted, it is critical to combat impunity and pursue accountability for human rights violations. Japan calls on all Member States to engage constructively and promote a culture of mutual respect and genuine cooperation to uphold human rights.

(Forced Displacement)
Human rights violations and armed conflict also contribute to record levels of displacement. Japan remains steadfast in its support for refugees, internally displaced persons and other forcibly displaced people, as well as host communities.

(Rights of the Child)
The reported increase in the number of grave violations against children under conflict in recent years is deeply disturbing. Japan reiterates its steadfast commitment to the Children and Armed Conflict agenda and strongly advocates for enhanced accountability mechanisms under international law.

Japan is also dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of children through implementing the CRC and collaborating with global partners, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children.

(Advancement of Women and Gender Equality)　
Japan attaches the highest importance to the realization of gender equality and respect for women’s rights, and underscores the necessity of addressing structural barriers that hinder women’s leadership and participation in peace processes and diplomacy.

We continue to advocate for the effective implementation of CEDAW and for strengthening accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence.

Sexual violence in conflict remains gravely overlooked, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Japan continues to be a steadfast contributor to global initiatives that seek to protect and empower survivors and uphold justice.

Moreover, Japan remains strongly committed to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. As this year marks the 25^th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325, Japan, alongside Norway, is co-chair of the WPS Focal Points Network. At the Capital-Level Meeting in Tokyo this February, Japan led highly meaningful discussions on applying the WPS agenda to current as well as emerging challenges such as disaster risk reduction, AI, and cybersecurity.

(Social Development)
Addressing today’s complex crises requires a holistic approach centered on human dignity. Japan continues to promote inclusive development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We attach particular attention to the rights of persons with disabilities, older persons, and indigenous peoples, ensuring that no one is left behind. In this regard, Japan is pleased that Mr. TAMON Hiroshi, an experienced Japanese lawyer, commenced his term as a member of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in January this year.
Japan will continue to actively engage in global initiatives to promote social inclusion and human dignity, including the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development.

(Organized Crime, Cyber Crime, Drugs and Terrorism)
Japan highlights the importance of addressing transnational organized crime including trafficking in persons, cybercrime, and drug trafficking as well as countering terrorism and violent extremism. Through collaboration with international partners such as UNODC and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), Japan has been implementing capacity-building assistance that centers the perspective of human rights and the rule of law. Japan also emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders and has taken an active role in leading discussions for the adoption of the Kyoto Model Strategies and sharing our experiences in this area.

(Conclusion)
Mr. Chair,

The Third Committee provides an indispensable forum for advancing human rights issues, and the Bureau can count on Japan’s full support. Japan will continue to engage actively and constructively, guided by international law, solidarity with those whose rights are threatened, and a determination to turn our common values into tangible progress.

Thank you.