Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Ministerial Side Event: “Translating UN standards on prison and offender management into action”

Thank you, Executive Director and UNODC, for organizing this timely event. Also, I am very honored to deliver remarks alongside the distinguished speakers, including Minister Groenewald of South Africa and Minister Baetov of the Kyrgyz Republic.
 
The rule of law underpins peaceful societies, advancing community safety, human rights, and sustainable development.
 
Within this, well-managed prison systems that uphold human dignity are a key aspect of criminal justice aimed to protect society from crime and to prevent recidivism. However, diverse challenges persist due to overincarceration and poor conditions, as well as instability and conflict, and organized crime in prisons. Under these circumstances, the principles of UN standards and norms, particularly the Nelson Mandela Rules, the Bangkok Rules, and the Tokyo Rules, provide clear guidance for Member States to reference in improving prison conditions and treatment of offenders.
 
Japan actively promotes values such as the rule of law and respect for human rights in the international community under the initiative “Justice Affairs Diplomacy,” to realize a safe and secure society for all individuals.

As part of such initiatives, Japan is committed to enhancing the capacity of criminal justice practitioners through training programmes organized by UNAFEI, aiming to bridge the principles of UN standards and domestic practices of Member States.    
 
In this connection, Japan welcomes the CCPCJ’s recent consensus adoption of the new UN Model Strategies on Reducing Reoffending, known as the "Kyoto Model Strategies." The Strategies highlight multi-stakeholder partnerships in rehabilitation and social reintegration and introduce specific initiatives, such as Japan’s “hogoshi” or “volunteer probation officers.”
 
The Strategies also highlight that ensuring safe, secure and humane custodial environments reduces reoffending. In particular, fostering positive and prosocial relationships between prisoners and prison staff is considered key to successful rehabilitation. We encourage all Member States to extensively refer to the Strategies when considering rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Japan, as the host country of the Kyoto Congress, reaffirms our unwavering commitment to take active and strong leadership in the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration.
 
I look forward to an insightful discussion to inform our collective efforts to uphold the rule of law and human dignity in prison reform.
   
I thank you.