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, on the Adoption of the Draft Resolution: “Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”
2024/11/20
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Japan welcomes the adoption of the draft resolution on the “Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” as one of the co-sponsors. We would like to express our deep appreciation to the delegation of the European Union for its great efforts in bringing us this far.
Japan is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the DPRK. In particular, the issue of abductions by the DPRK is a universal issue that concerns the entire international community as it constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights.
In this regard, Japan welcomes the references to the abductions issue in this year’s reports on the situation of human rights in the DPRK by Special Rapporteur Dr. Elisabeth Salmon and the Secretary-General.
With the aging of the abductees and their families, the abductions issue is a humanitarian and time sensitive issue with no time to spare. When we think of the tremendous suffering that the abductees and their families have endured over the years, it is imperative to resolve this issue without any further delay.
We continue to strongly urge the DPRK to take seriously the views of the international community as expressed in this resolution just adopted, listen sincerely to the voices of the victims who have been confined in the DPRK as well as their families who have been waiting many years for their return, and to take concrete and positive actions to resolve the abductions issue immediately, including the immediate return of all abductees.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.
Japan welcomes the adoption of the draft resolution on the “Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” as one of the co-sponsors. We would like to express our deep appreciation to the delegation of the European Union for its great efforts in bringing us this far.
Japan is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the DPRK. In particular, the issue of abductions by the DPRK is a universal issue that concerns the entire international community as it constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights.
In this regard, Japan welcomes the references to the abductions issue in this year’s reports on the situation of human rights in the DPRK by Special Rapporteur Dr. Elisabeth Salmon and the Secretary-General.
With the aging of the abductees and their families, the abductions issue is a humanitarian and time sensitive issue with no time to spare. When we think of the tremendous suffering that the abductees and their families have endured over the years, it is imperative to resolve this issue without any further delay.
We continue to strongly urge the DPRK to take seriously the views of the international community as expressed in this resolution just adopted, listen sincerely to the voices of the victims who have been confined in the DPRK as well as their families who have been waiting many years for their return, and to take concrete and positive actions to resolve the abductions issue immediately, including the immediate return of all abductees.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.