Statement by Mr. ONO Sho, Minister in Charge of Social Affairs, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the 79th Session of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, Item 71: Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

 
Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Japan remains gravely concerned about the ongoing severe human rights and humanitarian situations in various regions around the world.
 
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with no end in sight. We have entered a second year of devastation since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas and others on October 7th. Japan once again firmly condemns the attacks and hostage-taking committed by Hamas, and demands that all remaining hostages be released immediately. In recent days, the attacks and hostilities in the Middle East have intensified. We must avoid any further escalation that could potentially expand the hostilities into a full-fledged war in the Middle East. Japan urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further conflict and comply with international law, including international humanitarian law to prevent civilian casualties.
 
Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine for more than two and a half years is deeply regrettable. Any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by the use of force must not be allowed anywhere in the world. Russia must immediately cease all breaches of the UN Charter and human rights violations. We also must not forget the children abducted by Russia, and call for their return home to be reunited with their loved ones immediately.
 
Japan reiterates its serious concern about the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Myanmar and deplores the lack of concrete progress made. 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. While listening carefully to the people of Myanmar, Japan will continue to work closely with the international community, including ASEAN, and make every effort to improve the situation in Myanmar.

We are also deeply concerned about the lack of improvement in the human rights situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban continues to further restrict the rights of the Afghan people, especially women and girls, through the enactment of the so-called “vice and virtue law” on August 21^st, which severely limits their freedoms. Japan will continue to work with the international community to urge the Taliban to reverse its oppressive measures. 

Japan remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Sudan. The ongoing armed conflict continues to have a dire impact on civilians, especially women and children, with famine and conflict-related sexual violence contributing to their suffering. Japan reiterates its call on all the parties to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, end the hostilities, and facilitate an orderly transition to civilian rule.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
More than two years have 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, with the aging of the abductees and their families, the abductions issue is a humanitarian and time sensitive issue with no time to spare. Japan will continue to strongly urge North Korea to return all the abductees back to Japan immediately, in close cooperation with the international community, including through resolutions on the situation of human rights in North Korea at the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.

Mr. Chair,
 
As the international community faces multiple crises and becomes increasingly fragmented, it is imperative that all Member States uphold the universal values of human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Furthermore, while approaches to achieving these values may differ, the protection of human rights is a fundamental obligation of all nations.
  
In this regard, and guided by the principles of dialogue and cooperation, Japan remains committed to playing a proactive role in fostering an international community where human dignity is upheld. We will work closely with Member States, international organizations, and civil society to achieve this goal.

I thank you.