Statement by Mr. MAEDA Gensaku, Advisor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, United Nations General Assembly, Sixth Committee, 77th Session, Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventy-third session, Agenda item 77 (Cluster III)

Thank you, Mr. / Madam Chairperson,
 
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Delegation of Japan. I would like to comment on the topic of "General Principles of Law." Japan congratulates the Special Rapporteur Mr. Marcelo Vázquez-Bermúdez for his third report. Japan welcomes the progress made on this topic and hopes that the Commission will continue its thorough deliberations on the questions involved.   
 
Japan understands that the points discussed in the Commission this year remain controversial. The nature and function of the general principles of law should be fully examined. Japan expects further explanations to be provided in the draft conclusions and commentaries.
 
Japan expresses the view that it would be helpful, in practical terms, if the Commission would elaborate on the definitions of terms used in the draft conclusions, including a definition of “general principles of law”.
 
I thank you.