総会非公式会合における事務総長による人権に関する行動（Call to Action for Human Rights）ブリーフィングにおける木村大使ステートメント

Mr. President,
 
I would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for providing us with this update on the progress made on the Call for Action for Human Rights since its launch in March last year.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a human security crisis by posing a serious threat not only to people’s survival, but also to their livelihoods and dignity. In this connection, I would like to commend the Secretary-General’s timely and visionary initiative in launching the Call, which was soon accompanied by a policy brief on COVID-19 and Human Rights, emphasizing the critical message of placing people and their rights at the front and center of our response.
 
(Human security and actions through human rights lens)
 
Mr. President,
 
Covid-19 is also exacerbating insecurities arising from preexisting and emerging global challenges, such as climate change, the negative impacts of globalization and digitalization, and widening inequalities. We need a consistent approach that can be applied to changing situations from a long-term perspective. The concept of human security, to protect and empower the most vulnerable segments of society, is particularly useful in this effort.
 
When placing each person at the center of our response, we must bear in mind the important role of the human rights lens in forging multi-faceted and comprehensive solutions to build a sustainable and resilient society. To attain this goal, we must facilitate participation in transparent and accountable responses, and build an inclusive community free of discrimination where everyone, including children, youth, women, elderly and persons with disabilities, can be protected and empowered. The digital divide amongst children and youth are challenges to be addressed through the empowerment of these groups.
 
To this end, empowering individuals, transparent and accountable governance including the independent judiciary is required. An accountable explanation by the government based on scientific facts and ensuring access to information through freedom of press and protection of dissenting opinions and privacy are indispensable. Universal health coverage is an effective measure to build resilient societies by promoting strong and resilient health systems which enable people to be better equipped in responding to future crises.
 
(Gender equality in time of COVID-19 crisis)

The surge of violence against women and girls as well as children is a worrisome phenomenon; it is a hidden “shadow pandemic”. The numbers of domestic violence cases recorded monthly has increased globally under COVID-19 restrictions, and Japan is no exception to the trend. In April last year, our Government scaled up the hotlines for the domestic violence victims across the country in ten languages to cater to non-Japanese speakers as well.
 
(Closing)

The COVID-19 pandemic has plunged us into an unprecedented crisis, but with this challenge comes a chance to cooperate to build back better. Japan will continue to pursue a society where every individual is respected, enjoys all human rights, can pursue personal development without fear of discrimination of any kind, and where human security is fully realized. Japan will work tirelessly towards this end in cooperation with the international community, including the United Nations and civil society.
 
I thank you, Mr. President