Statement by Prof. TAKEMURA Hitomi, Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of Gender Equality, at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) High-Level Meeting on Violence Against Women and Girls

Thank you, honorable Chair.
 
First, inappropriate remarks were made earlier by the Chinese representative concerning Japan's historical issues.
 
While I will not address each one in detail here, I trust that many countries present recognize that since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation and made innumerable contributions to the peace and prosperity of the world, as well as to the promotion of universal values such as human rights.
 
Japan will continue such contributions as a responsible member of the international community. It is completely groundless to argue that Japan is trying to deny or distort history.
 
Now, I would like to resume my remarks.
 
Madam Chair,
 
Violence against women constitutes a serious human rights violation, and the eradication of such violence is a crucial challenge to overcome, as well as a national responsibility, in building a gender-equal society. In this regard, Japan has positioned the ‘Elimination of all forms of violence against women' as a key theme within the Basic Plan for Gender Equality and is actively working towards this goal.
 
Regarding sexual crimes and sexual violence in particular, in 2023, Japan formulated the “Policy for Further Enhancement of Measures against Sexual Crimes and Sexual Violence”.
 
Furthermore, Japan is promoting social awareness reform and violence prevention through educational and awareness-raising activities.
 
In terms of international cooperation, Japan continues to provide contributions to UN Women, the Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and UNFPA.
 
Japan also contributes to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC)　to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
 
In order to eliminate violence against women and girls, it is essential not only to develop laws and systems but also to simultaneously address social norms. With this understanding, Japan will continue to seek and promote comprehensive measures aimed at the eradication of violence against women and girls.
 
I thank you.