第25回先住問題常設フォーラム（議題5(d)）における河原公使ステートメント
令和8年4月22日
(As delivered)
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Since the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, Japan has worked to develop comprehensive policies respecting the rights and cultural identity of indigenous peoples.
Madam Chair,
I would like to address the statements made about Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture in yesterday’s session.
Firstly, Okinawa Prefecture, like other regions in Japan, has a unique and rich culture and tradition. That said, the Government of Japan is not of the view that people born in Okinawa are “indigenous people” or an “indigenous ethnic group,” nor is such a view widely recognized in Japan. In this regard, multiple local governments in Okinawa have raised their voices to deny such a notion. In any case, Japanese nationals residing in or originating from Okinawa are equally Japanese nationals, with their rights fully and equally guaranteed as Japanese nationals.
Secondly, the Japan-U.S. alliance and U.S. forces stationed in Japan are indispensable for both Japan's defense and regional peace and stability. Japan recognizes that securing public understanding is essential for the stable stationing of U.S. forces and remains committed to mitigating the impact of the bases on local communities.
Furthermore, incidents and accidents involving U.S. military personnel cause significant anxiety among local communities and must not occur. To this end, Japan will continue to urge the U.S. forces stationed in Japan to uphold discipline and thoroughly prevent recurrence of accidents.
Finally, Japan takes seriously the concerns of residents regarding PFAS and is addressing the issue in cooperation with relevant local governments. In accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement, Environmental Supplementary Agreement, and other relevant agreements, the government will continue to ensure effective environmental measures both inside and outside U.S. military facilities in Japan.
Madam Chair,
Japan reaffirms its commitment to achieving a society where the diversity and dignity of all individuals are respected.
Thank you.
Since the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, Japan has worked to develop comprehensive policies respecting the rights and cultural identity of indigenous peoples.
Madam Chair,
I would like to address the statements made about Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture in yesterday’s session.
Firstly, Okinawa Prefecture, like other regions in Japan, has a unique and rich culture and tradition. That said, the Government of Japan is not of the view that people born in Okinawa are “indigenous people” or an “indigenous ethnic group,” nor is such a view widely recognized in Japan. In this regard, multiple local governments in Okinawa have raised their voices to deny such a notion. In any case, Japanese nationals residing in or originating from Okinawa are equally Japanese nationals, with their rights fully and equally guaranteed as Japanese nationals.
Secondly, the Japan-U.S. alliance and U.S. forces stationed in Japan are indispensable for both Japan's defense and regional peace and stability. Japan recognizes that securing public understanding is essential for the stable stationing of U.S. forces and remains committed to mitigating the impact of the bases on local communities.
Furthermore, incidents and accidents involving U.S. military personnel cause significant anxiety among local communities and must not occur. To this end, Japan will continue to urge the U.S. forces stationed in Japan to uphold discipline and thoroughly prevent recurrence of accidents.
Finally, Japan takes seriously the concerns of residents regarding PFAS and is addressing the issue in cooperation with relevant local governments. In accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement, Environmental Supplementary Agreement, and other relevant agreements, the government will continue to ensure effective environmental measures both inside and outside U.S. military facilities in Japan.
Madam Chair,
Japan reaffirms its commitment to achieving a society where the diversity and dignity of all individuals are respected.
Thank you.