Opening and Closing Remarks by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Online Symposium in the UN on the Abductions Issue

 
His Excellency Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa,
His Excellency Mr. FURUYA Keiji,
Fellow Permanent Representatives to the United Nations,
Dear speakers, panelists, ladies and gentlemen,
 
I am honored to co-host this online symposium at the United Nations on the abductions issue together with the United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union.     

The participation of the four esteemed Ambassadors highlights the steadfast support of the international community in addressing this critical issue and emphasizes our collective commitment to resolving the plight of abduction victims.
 
Japan, in close collaboration with our partner countries, has been striving towards the immediate resolution of this issue on the international stage, including in the United Nations. As abductees and their beloved families have advanced in age, we must truly accelerate our efforts in this regard. There is no time left.
 
Today, we will hear the voices of families of the victims from Japan, the United States, and Thailand. We are also joined by prominent experts on the international situation concerning North Korea to discuss and deepen understanding of ways to resolve the abductions issue and its importance to the international community.

The international community has strenuously urged the immediate return of all abductees who have been detained in North Korea. This call is echoed in the annual UN General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK, which enjoys strong support from UN member states.
 
In this regard, I would like to highlight that the General Assembly convened a High-level Plenary Meeting on Human Rights Abuses and Violations in the DPRK last month, where the issue of abductions was raised. The convening of this meeting also underscores the urgent need to reinforce our collective commitment to resolving the abductions issue.
 
I sincerely hope today’s symposium will reconfirm the gravity of the abductions issue, show the international community’s solidarity with the families of the victims who have suffered for years, and inspire further cooperation towards an immediate resolution.     

Thank you.
 

Excellencies, Distinguished representatives, speakers, panelists, and participants,
 
Thank you all for the rich and fruitful discussion we have had today. Your participation has been truly invaluable.
 
I extend my deepest gratitude to the distinguished Ambassadors from the United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union for their powerful and unambiguous messages of support.

Their words echo the international community’s steadfast commitment to resolving the abductions issue. This unified voice amplifies our shared resolve to ensure the immediate return of all abductees.
 
Today, we heard heartfelt testimonies from families from Japan, the United States, and Thailand. They laid bare the profound suffering and ongoing anguish they have endured for years. These stories serve as a compelling reminder of the urgent need for resolution.
 
I also express my sincere appreciation to our esteemed panelists for their deep and insightful contributions. Their expertise is crucial in enhancing our understanding and shaping our strategy.

In closing, I reiterate Japan's unwavering commitment to exerting every effort toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue. I trust everyone present today will stand united and collaborate toward this goal.
 
Thank you.