第18回障害者権利条約締約国会合サイドイベントにおける梅津大使挨拶

 
I would like to start by thanking Madam Minister and the Permanent Mission of Italy for organizing this timely and important event. Japan respects Italy’s initiatives in this area, including organizing the first-ever G7 Ministerial Meeting on Inclusion and Disability last year and leading the adoption of the Solfagnano Charter. The Charter reaffirms our unwavering commitment to ensuring that all individuals enjoy equal rights to full, effective and meaningful participation and inclusion in all aspects of social, cultural, educational, economic, civil and political life.
 
Japan’s efforts to protect and empower persons with disabilities are grounded in the concept of human security. Human security emphasizes human-centered perspectives, promoting social development through “investment in people” and enabling individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Guided by this policy, Japan is pleased to co-sponsor today’s event together with Tunisia and South Africa.
 
Leisure and recreation are not something extraordinary, but rather fundamental for the well-being of all persons. Fostering passions and interests, leisure and recreation are directly linked to the guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, namely respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy, and independence of persons.
 
Indeed, improving accessibility to leisure activities and facilities is an important step in fulfilling “full and effective participation and inclusion in society”.
 
Last month, Japan hosted the “Tomo-Tomo Festa”, a public event designed to promote mutual understanding among all persons by sharing enjoyable experiences together, led by Minister Mihara. In fact, this idea was inspired by the inclusive G7 ceremony in Assisi held under Minister Locatelli.
 
In 2018, Japan enacted the “Act on Cultural and Artistic Activities by Persons with Disabilities” and adopted a Basic Plan for implementation in the following year.
 
Today, Phase 2 of the Basic Plan for 2023-2027 is under implementation. It promotes a wide range of recreational activities, the creation of accessible and disability-sensitive environments in cultural facilities, and the improvement of access to cultural and artistic activities for persons with disabilities.    
 
Finally, I look forward to an insightful discussion on furthering the active engagement of persons with disabilities through recreational experiences.
 
Thank you.