Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the general discussion of the 61st Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD61)

Thank you, Mr. Chair,
 
Before my statement, I would like to join my previous speakers in expressing the heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their families due to the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
 
I would like to start by thanking Mr. Chair, other bureau members, and the secretariat for organizing this session fully in person, overcoming difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan continues to engage actively and constructively in the Commission for Social Development (CSocD) activities, in order to accelerate our efforts for elimination of inequalities and realization of a world where no one is left behind.
 
 
Today, more people than ever before are threatened by insecurity and uncertainty due to complex and intersecting crises. Governments and other players are required to take determined actions to eradicate inequalities and to ensure the dignity of all individuals, by protecting and empowering those in vulnerable situations. Human security, which advances the nation and community building though empowerment and protection of individuals,  particularly those in vulnerable situations, is an essential tool to strengthen prevention and response to many multifaceted crises.  Japan is committed to further strengthening its approach towards achieving the SDGs based on the concept of human security.
 
 
Mr. Chair,
 
This year’s theme, ‘creating full and productive employment and decent work for all as a way of overcoming inequalities’, resonates with Japan’s policy focus. In this regard, I would like to share with you some of the initiatives our government is pushing forward.
 
The first one is an initiative called ‘New Form of Capitalism’ to grow the economy while solving social challenges, by transforming such challenges into an engine for growth. It is based on the idea that related policies should be taken harmoniously with the aim of realizing a society where all people, regardless of age, gender, or disabilities, can find their lives worth living.  Under this initiative, a wide range of programs have been implemented to tackle such challenges as gender inequality and social isolation or loneliness, in order to achieve an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
 
Second, the promotion of decent work. Japan is making efforts to raise salaries and to put forward workstyle reform on the national level, and then to promote decent work on the international level. Our government provides support to other countries both by bilateral cooperation through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and by multilateral cooperation through voluntary contributions to ILO projects for emergency employment at the time of COVID-19 and natural disasters.
 
Third, business and human rights. In order to ensure decent work, it is important that not only the state fulfills its duty to uphold human rights, but also that businesses make sure that they are respected. Since the launch of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in October 2020, our government has encouraged businesses to ensure respect for human rights. In addition, last year, Japan formulated the Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains, which focuses on practical steps of exercising human rights due diligence. We are now making efforts to make this guideline known to all businesses. Furthermore, Japan is contributing to the promotion of responsible business conduct in the international arena, by providing support to other countries via one of UNDP’s projects. It helps these countries work out their own National Action Plan (NAP) and offers training on human rights due diligence.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
I assure you that Japan will continue to work in concert with the international community to achieve the 2030 Agenda, and to promote national and international policies to realize inclusive and sustainable societies, thus ensuring human security for all people.
 
I thank you, Mr. Chair.