Statement by Professor MURAOKA Azusa, Advisor to the Government of Japan, at the Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the Chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Miyeon KIM, and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Ms. Heba HAGRASS

Thank you, Mr. Chair.
 
I would like to thank Ms. Kim and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for their invaluable work, as well as Special Rapporteur Ms. Hagrass for her report.
 
As the SR mentioned, humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, and other situations of risk disproportionately affect persons with disabilities, and inclusive and accessible measures are key to ensuring their full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom in such severe situations.
 
Every March, as Japan approaches the anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, we are reminded that, in times of emergency, appropriate assistance can only be provided when adequate preparations have been made. As a disaster-prone country, Japan has taken proactive steps to develop more inclusive disaster risk management measures.
 
Furthermore, Japan is pleased that Mr. TAMON Hiroshi, a Japanese member of the CRPD, has contributed to the work of the Committee, including through drafting the recently-published general comments on Article 11 of the Convention. Japan requests that the Secretary-General continue guaranteeing necessary support and access to information for Committee members.
 
Thank you.