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
2024/6/27
(as delivered)
Opening Remarks
His Excellency Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa,
His Excellency Mr. FURUYA Keiji,
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States,
Ambassador James Larsen of Australia,
Ambassador Hwang Joonkook of the Republic of Korea,
Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis of the European Union,
Dear speakers and panelists, ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honored to co-host this online symposium on the abductions issue at the United Nations, together with the four distinguished Permanent Representatives.
Their participation is a testament to the international community's unwavering support for addressing this critical issue and underscores the collective resolve to seek resolution for the victims of abductions.
Japan, in close collaboration with our partner countries, has been tirelessly working towards the immediate resolution of this issue on the international stage, including in the United Nations.
Today, we will hear the heartfelt testimonies of families from Japan, the United States, and Thailand. We are also joined by distinguished experts on North Korea who will discuss strategies for resolving the abductions issue and its broader significance to the global community.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The international community has consistently and unitedly demanded the immediate return of all abductees who have remained trapped in North Korea. This demand is echoed in the annual adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK, which receives overwhelming support from UN member states.
I would like to mention that last year, the Security Council formally addressed the human rights situation in the DPRK for the first time in six years. Just two weeks ago, the Council once again deliberated on the DPRK’s human rights violations and abuses, including the abductions issue, and their implications for international peace and security.
These actions and discussions highlight the urgent need to continue strengthening the collective will of the international community to resolve the abductions issue.
I sincerely hope that today’s symposium will reconfirm the gravity of the issue of abductions, demonstrate that the international community stands with the families of the victims who have endured years of pain and suffering, and generate further momentum for us to collaborate towards the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
Thank you.
His Excellency Mr. FURUYA Keiji,
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States,
Ambassador James Larsen of Australia,
Ambassador Hwang Joonkook of the Republic of Korea,
Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis of the European Union,
Dear speakers and panelists, ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honored to co-host this online symposium on the abductions issue at the United Nations, together with the four distinguished Permanent Representatives.
Their participation is a testament to the international community's unwavering support for addressing this critical issue and underscores the collective resolve to seek resolution for the victims of abductions.
Japan, in close collaboration with our partner countries, has been tirelessly working towards the immediate resolution of this issue on the international stage, including in the United Nations.
Today, we will hear the heartfelt testimonies of families from Japan, the United States, and Thailand. We are also joined by distinguished experts on North Korea who will discuss strategies for resolving the abductions issue and its broader significance to the global community.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The international community has consistently and unitedly demanded the immediate return of all abductees who have remained trapped in North Korea. This demand is echoed in the annual adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK, which receives overwhelming support from UN member states.
I would like to mention that last year, the Security Council formally addressed the human rights situation in the DPRK for the first time in six years. Just two weeks ago, the Council once again deliberated on the DPRK’s human rights violations and abuses, including the abductions issue, and their implications for international peace and security.
These actions and discussions highlight the urgent need to continue strengthening the collective will of the international community to resolve the abductions issue.
I sincerely hope that today’s symposium will reconfirm the gravity of the issue of abductions, demonstrate that the international community stands with the families of the victims who have endured years of pain and suffering, and generate further momentum for us to collaborate towards the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
Thank you.
Closing Remarks
Distinguished representatives, speakers and panelists, and participants,
Thank you very much for the rich and productive input and discussion today. Your engagement has been very valuable.
I express my profound appreciation to the esteemed Permanent Representatives of the United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union for their strong and unequivocal messages of support.
Their statements reflect the broad commitment of the international community to resolving the abductions issue. This collective voice underscores our shared determination to seek the immediate return of all abductees.
Today, we had the poignant opportunity to listen to the voices of the families of Japan, the United States, and Thailand. Their testimonies have manifested the immense suffering and enduring pain they have experienced over many years. These stories remind us of the urgent need for resolution.
I also extend my deepest gratitude to the esteemed panelists for sharing their profound and insightful perspectives. Their expertise is vital to advancing our understanding and strategy.
In conclusion, I reaffirm Japan's unwavering dedication to exerting every effort toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue. I trust everyone present today will join forces and work collaboratively toward this goal.
Thank you very much.