Explanation of Vote (After the Vote on draft resolution “Addressing contemporary forms of colonialism”) by Mr. TAKAGI Yuho, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Fourth Committee, 81th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Agenda Item 57: Eradicating Colonialism in All its Forms and Manifestations

 

Thank you, Mr. 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.
 
Japan remains fully committed to abandoning colonial rule and respecting the right of self-determination of all peoples. Our dedication to making unceasing efforts toward the full realization of this right remains unwavering.
 
However, Japan voted against this resolution due to the following concern.

Article 1 of the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples starts with the term ‘subjugation’, which is prohibited as ‘acquisition of territory by force’ in the contemporary world. The prohibition of acquisition of territory by force is indeed a corollary of the prohibition of the use of force to which this resolution refers. In recent years, regrettably, we are witnessing increasing attempts to acquire territory by force. Therefore, from our point of view, the focus of this resolution should have been the issue of recent attempts to acquire territory by force.

Mr. Chair,
 
To conclude, Japan reaffirms its commitment to continuing strong support for decolonization efforts by the United Nations and its Member States.
 
I thank you.