Explanation of Vote (After the Vote on draft resolution “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations”) by Mr. SHOJI Takashi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Fourth Committee, 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Agenda Item 58: Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Since this is the first time for my delegation to take the floor in this session of the Fourth Committee, I would like to seize this opportunity to commend the diligent work of the bureau members of the last session and congratulate you and the other current bureau members on your elections. I assure you of our full support.
 
Madam Chair,

Japan abstained on the draft resolution titled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations” which was presented for a vote in front of us today.

The main purpose of the draft resolution, which was just adopted at this Committee, is to eradicate colonialism, which Japan supports. Also, there are a number of elements in the resolution that Japan positively recognises.

However, Japan is concerned that the intentions of the co-penholders on the draft resolution have not been sufficiently explained, although this draft was new to a majority of the membership. We did not see inclusive and transparent negotiations or processes that would have allowed all Member States to discuss this draft. The programme budget implication was not explained until this morning. Japan wishes that we had had such opportunities at this Committee.

Madam Chair,

To conclude, I reaffirm Japan’s strong support for decolonization efforts by the United Nations and its Member States.
I thank you.