Statement by H.E. Mr. KIMURA Tetsuya, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly
2021/10/7
(Check against delivery)
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, I would like to join others in congratulating on the appointment of the chair and bureau members and look forward to close cooperation during this session.
(Introduction)
COVID-19 has posed a global human security crisis. The international community must unite in overcoming this crisis to leave no one behind. Japan has continued to support many countries in building resilient health and medical systems, with an emphasis on human rights. At the same time, the international community must unite in securing the universal values of fundamental human rights and the rule of law, and achieve peace, prosperity, and dignity for each individual, as laid out in the 2030 Agenda. I will make three points in this context.
(Country situations and abduction issue)
Firstly, I am concerned that democratic progress has recently been forcefully disrupted in many parts of the world, and serious human rights and humanitarian situations are still ongoing. The serious humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is a huge concern to us. Japan urges all parties involved to: assure safe passage and departure of those wishing to leave the country; protect the lives and property of all Afghans and restore social order; safeguard fundamental human rights, especially the protection and advancement of the rights of women and girls, and; build a country with inclusive political processes that guarantee the inclusion of diverse ethnic and religious groups. Japan will continue to closely monitor the Taliban’s actual course of action.
Japan is concerned by the situation in Myanmar since the coup. Japan has consistently and strongly called upon the Myanmar military to: 1) immediately halt the use of violence; 2) release those who are detained, and; 3) swiftly restore the democratic political system. Japan has conveyed to the Myanmar military its concern over the invalidation of the election results announced in Myanmar last year.
The issue of abductions by North Korea is a matter of serious concern for the international community and a serious issue for Japan, as it affects the national sovereignty and the lives and safety of our people. As the families of the victims continue to age, there is no time to lose before we resolve the abductions issue. Japan seeks continued understanding and cooperation from the international community.
Japan also joins others in expressing concern over the human rights situation in other countries and regions.
(Rule of Law, including cyber and other crimes)
My second point is about the advancement of the universal value of the Rule of Law. A culture of adherence to law is indispensable and increasingly important in achieving the SDGs, and especially so in the face of violent conflicts. Japan is determined to lead the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration, which was adopted at the 14th UN Crime Congress this March, advance international collaboration on the promotion of the Rule of Law, and contribute to the improvement of the criminal justice system and crime prevention.
While crimes such as drugs, corruption, and human trafficking continue to be critical, the potential of cybercrime in transcending borders and undermining the livelihoods of people around the world deserves special attention. Close cooperation among countries is essential and Japan believes that any consideration on a new convention on cybercrime based on the Third Committee decision must be inclusive and fair process.
(Women, children, and indigenous peoples)
My third point is on the suffering of the people severely affected by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, regional conflict, and natural disasters. More efforts are needed for gender equality and women’s empowerment in order not to lose what we have achieved thus far. Japan will continue to work together with the international community to ensure that women have full, equal, and meaningful participation in decision-making, including through the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Japan has been promoting efforts to eradicate violence against children at home and abroad. This includes approximately 1.4 million USD to the “Fund to End Violence Against Children” and the creation of the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children.
In 2019, Japan adopted the legislation on “promotion of comprehensive Ainu measures,” and will continue to strive toward a society where each individual is respected and free from any racial, ethnic or other discrimination.
(Business and human rights, resolution on volunteerism)
I would also like to take this opportunity to share Japan’s relevant efforts. Last October, Japan formulated a national action plan on Business and Human Rights, and will promote responsible business conduct through its steady implementation.
This year, Japan and Brazil will present the triennial resolution on volunteerism during the Committee. This year marks the twentieth anniversary since the International Year of Volunteers as well as the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of UNV, and Japan will continue to aspire for a greater role of volunteerism within the UN.
Mr. Chair,
(Closing: Olympic and Paralympic Games)
This summer, ten years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan hosted the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games under the concept of “Unity in Diversity,” through which awareness and understanding of diversity, an inclusive society where human rights are fully respected, and the SDGs are promoted. Japan will continue to move forward with these efforts.
I thank you.
At the outset, I would like to join others in congratulating on the appointment of the chair and bureau members and look forward to close cooperation during this session.
(Introduction)
COVID-19 has posed a global human security crisis. The international community must unite in overcoming this crisis to leave no one behind. Japan has continued to support many countries in building resilient health and medical systems, with an emphasis on human rights. At the same time, the international community must unite in securing the universal values of fundamental human rights and the rule of law, and achieve peace, prosperity, and dignity for each individual, as laid out in the 2030 Agenda. I will make three points in this context.
(Country situations and abduction issue)
Firstly, I am concerned that democratic progress has recently been forcefully disrupted in many parts of the world, and serious human rights and humanitarian situations are still ongoing. The serious humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is a huge concern to us. Japan urges all parties involved to: assure safe passage and departure of those wishing to leave the country; protect the lives and property of all Afghans and restore social order; safeguard fundamental human rights, especially the protection and advancement of the rights of women and girls, and; build a country with inclusive political processes that guarantee the inclusion of diverse ethnic and religious groups. Japan will continue to closely monitor the Taliban’s actual course of action.
Japan is concerned by the situation in Myanmar since the coup. Japan has consistently and strongly called upon the Myanmar military to: 1) immediately halt the use of violence; 2) release those who are detained, and; 3) swiftly restore the democratic political system. Japan has conveyed to the Myanmar military its concern over the invalidation of the election results announced in Myanmar last year.
The issue of abductions by North Korea is a matter of serious concern for the international community and a serious issue for Japan, as it affects the national sovereignty and the lives and safety of our people. As the families of the victims continue to age, there is no time to lose before we resolve the abductions issue. Japan seeks continued understanding and cooperation from the international community.
Japan also joins others in expressing concern over the human rights situation in other countries and regions.
(Rule of Law, including cyber and other crimes)
My second point is about the advancement of the universal value of the Rule of Law. A culture of adherence to law is indispensable and increasingly important in achieving the SDGs, and especially so in the face of violent conflicts. Japan is determined to lead the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration, which was adopted at the 14th UN Crime Congress this March, advance international collaboration on the promotion of the Rule of Law, and contribute to the improvement of the criminal justice system and crime prevention.
While crimes such as drugs, corruption, and human trafficking continue to be critical, the potential of cybercrime in transcending borders and undermining the livelihoods of people around the world deserves special attention. Close cooperation among countries is essential and Japan believes that any consideration on a new convention on cybercrime based on the Third Committee decision must be inclusive and fair process.
(Women, children, and indigenous peoples)
My third point is on the suffering of the people severely affected by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, regional conflict, and natural disasters. More efforts are needed for gender equality and women’s empowerment in order not to lose what we have achieved thus far. Japan will continue to work together with the international community to ensure that women have full, equal, and meaningful participation in decision-making, including through the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Japan has been promoting efforts to eradicate violence against children at home and abroad. This includes approximately 1.4 million USD to the “Fund to End Violence Against Children” and the creation of the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children.
In 2019, Japan adopted the legislation on “promotion of comprehensive Ainu measures,” and will continue to strive toward a society where each individual is respected and free from any racial, ethnic or other discrimination.
(Business and human rights, resolution on volunteerism)
I would also like to take this opportunity to share Japan’s relevant efforts. Last October, Japan formulated a national action plan on Business and Human Rights, and will promote responsible business conduct through its steady implementation.
This year, Japan and Brazil will present the triennial resolution on volunteerism during the Committee. This year marks the twentieth anniversary since the International Year of Volunteers as well as the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of UNV, and Japan will continue to aspire for a greater role of volunteerism within the UN.
Mr. Chair,
(Closing: Olympic and Paralympic Games)
This summer, ten years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan hosted the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games under the concept of “Unity in Diversity,” through which awareness and understanding of diversity, an inclusive society where human rights are fully respected, and the SDGs are promoted. Japan will continue to move forward with these efforts.
I thank you.