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Statement by H. E. Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

On Item 68 (b): Human Rights Questions
and Item 68 (c): Human Rights Situations

Third Committee
Sixty-ninth Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 29 October 2014

 

Madame Chair,

 

            Japan attaches great importance to human rights, democracy and the rule of law as universal values. We believe that the cultures, religions, history and traditions of each country should be taken into account when addressing human rights issues. We will seek to achieve progress through dialogue and cooperation with the countries concerned. We will also respond to systematic and serious human rights violations proactively in order to achieve solutions.

 

            The Special Procedures for Country-Specific Mandates and Commissions of Inquiry (COIs) are indispensable tools for tackling human rights violations around the world in a strong and timely manner. Japan will continue to support and endeavor to make the best use of these mechanisms. We appreciate the continuing efforts of the many Special Procedures. We further believe that the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) can and should also contribute to the improvement of human rights situations, and that it should play a mutually reinforcing role together with the Special Procedures. 

 

[DPRK]
            The situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a very serious concern.

 

            The report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on human rights in the DPRK finds that numerous areas of human rights violations, including political prison camps and abductions, could constitute crimes against humanity, and makes recommendations to the international community on how to deal with this issue. Furthermore, the Human Rights Council resolution on the DPRK, which was adopted this past March, acknowledges the Commission's finding and also urges the Government of the DPRK to take immediate steps to end all such violations and abuses including abduction issue. It is important for the international community to follow up the COI report and the Human Rights Council resolution.

 

            In this regard, Japan and the EU have co-tabled a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK to the Third Committee. We sincerely hope that the draft resolution will be adopted and gain broad support from Member States. Particularly, we attach great importance to the abduction issue. While this is a significant issue which concerns Japan's sovereignty as well as the lives and security of its citizens, it is also violation of fundamental human rights which should be of universal concern to the international community as a whole. These issues need to be resolved as quickly as possible.

 

[Syria]
            With regard to Syria, Japan appreciates the work of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, even though the Commission has not been granted access to the country. In this connection, we urge the Government of Syria to cooperate fully with the Commission.

 

            Japan remains strongly concerned by the grave human rights violations and abuses as well as the violations of relevant international law being committed by all parties to the conflict in Syria. In addition, we are troubled by the alarming humanitarian situation which has resulted in more than 3 million refugees fleeing the conflict. We call on all parties immediately to put an end to all violence and to protect civilians.

 

            Stability in Syria is also closely related to the evolving situation in Iraq. Japan is deeply concerned by the fundamental challenge that ISIL poses not only to the Middle East region but to the international order itself. We firmly condemn any act of violence carried out by ISIL.

 

            I would like to emphasize that a political solution based on the Geneva communiqué of June 2012 is indispensable to bringing an end to the suffering of the Syrian people.

 

[Iran]
            We welcome the pledges by the President of Iran to commit to improving the human rights situation in his country. We are paying attention to Iran's efforts to introduce a Citizen's Rights Charter and to empower women; and we are pleased with its positive engagement in the last human rights dialogue between Japan and Iran, which has been held since 2000.

 

            On the other hand, we see many issues with the human rights situation in Iran still to be improved; these include juvenile executions, the use of cruel punishment, limitations on the freedom of expression, and detentions of journalists and human rights defenders. We call upon Iran to take concrete action based on its own pledges. Furthermore, we would urge the government to fully engage with its UPR to be held in Geneva on 31 October, to accept a visit by the Special Rapporteur on Iran, and to cooperate with other UN human rights mechanisms and the OHCHR.

 

[Myanmar]
            Japan is greatly encouraged to see various measures and efforts being taken in Myanmar toward democratization, national reconciliation, improved respect for the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, formulation of ceasefire agreements with minority groups, and the release of prisoners of conscience. We also expect the Government of Myanmar to keep working on additional necessary measures, including the passage of legislation to establish fundamental freedoms and the rule of law throughout society.

 

            In May of this year, Myanmar and my country held the Second Japan–Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue, and Japan looks forward to continuing this engagement. It is crucial that International Society continue to support the democratization and transformation of Myanmar, and it is strongly expected that cooperation between International Society and Myanmar will be further enhanced. In this regards, Japan welcomes that Myanmar has further elevated its international standing as it is taking the important responsibility of the Chairmanship of ASEAN this year. Attentive to the progress of the reform efforts of Myanmar, Japan continues to provide a wide range of assistance to that country.

 

[Cambodia]
            Since the Paris Peace Agreements, the human rights situation in Cambodia has progressed gradually over the last 20 years. In order to establish judicial independence and the rule of law in the country, Japan has been supporting the development of civil code and civil procedure code, and has been providing technical assistance to judges and prosecutors on civil law.  Japan has also been actively supporting the Khmer Rouge Trials.

 

            We greatly appreciate that an agreement was reached between the ruling and opposition parties of Cambodia this July. Japan has tabled a resolution to the Human Rights Council to extend the Special Rapporteur's mandate. We hope that the Special Rapporteur and Cambodia will continue to cooperate constructively and that the process of human rights-oriented nation building continues under a strengthened democracy in the country.

 

Madame Chair,

 

            Human Rights are universal values. Governments should make continuous efforts for the realization of human rights for all. Japan will continue to promote human rights through its diplomatic endeavor.

 

Thank you, Madame Chair.