Statement by Ms. OSAKI Asako, Representative of Japan, at the adoption of the Political Declaration of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

Thank you, Mr. Chair.
 
I would like to extend my delegation’s utmost appreciation to Ambassador Alwasil for chairing this session, and to Ambassador Chan Valverde and Ms. Pires do Canto for facilitating the Political Declaration. Thanks to the able leadership and hard work of the co-facilitators, the Declaration was successfully adopted by consensus.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Japan prioritizes consensus among Member States in every CSW outcome negotiation. It is important that all Member States have a sense of ownership of the text in order to incorporate it into national efforts. Although language preferences may differ, Member States share the same principal goals of accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
 
While it is disappointing that Security Council Resolution 1325 and WPS are not explicitly referenced in the text, Japan welcomes the references to national action plans, peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction, and humanitarian action. In addition, it is unfortunate that reference to “sexual and reproductive health”, which was agreed unanimously in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, was not included.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Japan's dedication to achieving gender equality remains unwavering. We will continue to contribute to the empowerment of women and girls in Japan and across the international community, in cooperation with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and civil society.
 
I thank you.