第12回高齢者作業部会における木村大使ステートメント
令和4年4月11日
Madam Chair,
I would first like to thank the Chair, other bureau members, and the secretariat for organizing this session.
Older persons have been among the hardest hit in the human security crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, it is indispensable to increase their resilience and ensure that they are able to maintain economic security. I believe that the themes of this year’s focus areas are timely.
Madam Chair,
As a country with the highest population percentage of older persons, Japan has extensive initiatives aimed at creating an environment where society benefits from the active participation of older persons.
In 2020, the Barrier Free Act was amended in order to further develop barrier-free facilities as well as to enhance public understanding of persons with disabilities. In addition, local community services for older persons have been ameliorated in fields such as health-care, welfare, and disaster-response. These initiatives help to develop a society where everyone can live in a safe and peaceful manner, without the feeling of isolation.
Although the spread of COVID-19 has had some impact on the employment situation, older persons in Japan remain eager to work. Recently, a new legal framework was introduced to urge businesses to provide employees with the choice to work until the age of 70. Japan also promotes life-long education for older persons, helping them perform to the best of their potential. These efforts are being made to strengthen the economic base of the aging society, in addition to traditional policies such as social welfare.
Madam Chair,
In international fora, based on the concept of human security, Japan has been strongly leading efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage, which includes comprehensive community-based care and long-term care for older persons. In 2020, Japan co-facilitated the adoption of the GA resolution "United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)," and will continue to advocate for the rights of older persons both in domestic and international fora.
As we consider the way forward on the issue of ageing, it is important for each country to continue to steadily implement existing frameworks such as the Madrid Action Plan before developing a new international legal instrument. We hope that this session will provide us with valuable opportunities to share good practices, preparing us to respond adequately to the challenges faced in an ageing society.
I thank you.
I would first like to thank the Chair, other bureau members, and the secretariat for organizing this session.
Older persons have been among the hardest hit in the human security crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, it is indispensable to increase their resilience and ensure that they are able to maintain economic security. I believe that the themes of this year’s focus areas are timely.
Madam Chair,
As a country with the highest population percentage of older persons, Japan has extensive initiatives aimed at creating an environment where society benefits from the active participation of older persons.
In 2020, the Barrier Free Act was amended in order to further develop barrier-free facilities as well as to enhance public understanding of persons with disabilities. In addition, local community services for older persons have been ameliorated in fields such as health-care, welfare, and disaster-response. These initiatives help to develop a society where everyone can live in a safe and peaceful manner, without the feeling of isolation.
Although the spread of COVID-19 has had some impact on the employment situation, older persons in Japan remain eager to work. Recently, a new legal framework was introduced to urge businesses to provide employees with the choice to work until the age of 70. Japan also promotes life-long education for older persons, helping them perform to the best of their potential. These efforts are being made to strengthen the economic base of the aging society, in addition to traditional policies such as social welfare.
Madam Chair,
In international fora, based on the concept of human security, Japan has been strongly leading efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage, which includes comprehensive community-based care and long-term care for older persons. In 2020, Japan co-facilitated the adoption of the GA resolution "United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)," and will continue to advocate for the rights of older persons both in domestic and international fora.
As we consider the way forward on the issue of ageing, it is important for each country to continue to steadily implement existing frameworks such as the Madrid Action Plan before developing a new international legal instrument. We hope that this session will provide us with valuable opportunities to share good practices, preparing us to respond adequately to the challenges faced in an ageing society.
I thank you.