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Statement by H. E. Ambassador Jun Yamazaki,

Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

 

Agenda item 120: Follow-up to the commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade:

commemorative meeting on the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

 

Sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly

25 March 2014

 

 

Mr. President,

 

            It is my great honor to make a statement on behalf of the Government of Japan at today’s meeting in commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.  Every year, 25 March provides us with an opportunity to recall the victims of slavery and to remind ourselves that we must never forget the horrific history.

 

            Since 2008, Japan has been one of the co-sponsors of the annual General Assembly resolution entitled “Permanent memorial to and remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade”.  We appreciate the initiative taken by the Member States of the CARICOM and the African Group for submitting this important resolution.  Last November, Japan, once again, became co-sponsor of this resolution.  General Assembly resolution 68/7 endorses the initiative of Member States to erect a permanent memorial and also requests the Secretary-General to organize a series of activities annually to commemorate the International Day.

 

Mr. President,

 

            The Universal Declaration on Human Rights states that ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’  Japan will continue its efforts to end every form of slavery and to realize freedom and equality for all.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.