司法への平等なアクセスに関するハイレベル討論における山中大使ステートメント

令和5年6月15日
Mr. President,
 
Promotion of the rule of law alongside providing all persons with equal access to justice are important goals set in the SDGs. Japan, the host country of the Kyoto Congress, has been leading the discussion on considering the role of justice as a part of making steady progress toward achieving a society that “leaves no one behind.”
 
At the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) held in Vienna last month, Japan co-sponsored the resolution on “The Equal Access to Justice for All.” We extend our sincere appreciation to Canada for its persistent efforts, and we hope that this resolution will be adopted by consensus at the General Assembly.
 
In an effort towards providing equal access to justice, I would like to introduce a case on victims accessing the criminal justice system in Japan.
 
Japan believes that providing adequate support and care based on precise understanding of the victim’s concerns is vital in fulfilling access to criminal justice systems. Through public awareness projects and training, efforts are being made to educate care providers as well as the general public on the importance of giving consideration to and understanding the circumstances the victims are put under.
 
With this in mind, the Japanese government has developed and revised the “Basic Plan for Crime Victims” based on the “Basic Act on Crime Victims.” One such initiative is that the Japan Legal Support Center and the police will further enhance the provision of information, thereby expanding opportunities for victims to adequately participate in criminal proceedings. Similarly, Japan makes efforts to enhance consideration for the victim’s standpoint and their emotional state during the treatment of the perpetrators.
 
Japan reiterates its determination in working to provide equal access to justice, and we hope that this high-level debate will serve as an opportunity to further vitalize international discussion in this field.
 
I thank you.