Statement by Mr. ONO Sho, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the 78th Session of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, Item 71 (a-d): Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

Mr. Chair,

Japan is deeply concerned about the continuing serious human rights and humanitarian situations in many parts of the world.
 
The recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, especially attacks and kidnappings of innocent civilians, cannot be justified for any reason. Japan firmly condemns such attacks and demands the early release of the hostages. At the same time, yesterday, Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City was attacked with numerous casualties, and we feel strong indignation on the tremendous damage to innocent civilians. Attacks against hospitals or civilians cannot be justified on any ground. It is crucial to minimize the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip and to ensure humanitarian access in the area. Yesterday, Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA announced that Japan will provide emergency humanitarian aid of 10 million USD in total for citizens in the Gaza Strip through international organizations.
 
It is extremely regrettable that Russia's aggression against Ukraine continues even today. A unilateral attempt to change the status quo by the use of force is not acceptable anywhere in the world. Japan strongly urges Russia to end its violation of the UN Charter and human rights immediately.
 
As for Myanmar, we are concerned about the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, as indicated by various reports such as by IIMM and OCHA. We strongly urge again the Myanmar military to make sincere efforts for the peaceful resolution of the situation by taking concrete actions to immediately stop the violence, release those who are detained, and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system. We are also concerned about the incident in Kachin state on October 9, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including internally displaced persons. Japan condemns all forms of violence.
 
We are also concerned about the lack of improvement in the human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the restrictions imposed on the rights of women and girls. Japan once again strongly urges the Taliban to immediately withdraw all measures that restrict the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for women and girls, including freedom of education, expression, and employment. Japan also expresses its heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families of the earthquake that struck western Afghanistan on October 7. We are providing emergency relief goods through emergency grant aid of 3 million USD in response to the damage caused by the earthquake.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
More than a year has passed since the OHCHR released an assessment of human rights concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. Japan remains seriously concerned about the human rights situation in the region. 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.
 
Last but not least, the issue of abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea is a serious issue that affects the sovereignty of Japan and the lives and safety of its people and is a universal issue for the entire international community as a violation of fundamental human rights. The families of the abductees are aging, and there is no time to waste. We strongly urge North Korea to realize the immediate return of all the abductees to Japan and hope for the continued understanding and cooperation of the international community on this issue.

Mr. Chair,
 
As the international community is facing multiple crises and increasingly being divided, universal values such as human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law should be respected by all Member States. Furthermore, despite the differences in approaches to achieving these values, the protection of human rights in a balanced manner is a fundamental responsibility of all nations.
 
With this in mind and based on the principles of dialogue and cooperation, Japan will play its active role in realizing an international community where human dignity is respected in close coordination and cooperation with Member States, international organizations, and civil society. We will continue our efforts to protect and promote human rights, particularly in the areas of women's empowerment and gender equality, children's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, and business and human rights.
 
I thank you.