Statement by Mr. Jun Saito

Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan

to the United Nations

 

On Item 72 (b): Human rights questions

And Item 72 (c): Human rights situations

 

Seventieth Session of the Third Committee

of the General Assembly of the United Nations

30 October 2015

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          Although the primary responsibility for promoting and protecting human rights lies with individual governments, the international community should express concern when it is warranted. For this reason, Japan has been responding proactively to systematic and serious human rights violations in order to achieve solutions, while also engaging in human rights dialogues with many countries, taking into account the history, culture, tradition and specific situations of each.

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          The situation of human rights in the DPRKremains a very serious concern of the international community.

         

          Last year, the Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in the DPRK, which reflected the recommendations in the COI report, was adopted by the General Assembly with the wide support of Member States from various regions. Furthermore, at the end of last year, the situation in the DPRK was included as a formal agenda item of the Security Council.

 

          Also this year, the international community has taken significant steps toward tackling this issue. Actions such as establishing the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) office in Seoul and holding a panel discussion at the Human Rights Council are manifestations of the serious concerns held by the international community with regard to the situation in the DPRK.

 

          Despite these efforts, there is no sign of improvement of the human rights situation on the ground. Therefore, Japan and the EU decidedto once again co-table a draft resolution on this issue to the Third Committee. We sincerely hope that the draft resolution will gain broad support among the Member States. Furthermore, we expect that this issue will continue to be discussed at the Security Council.

 

          On this occasion, I would also like to mention that the Government and the people of Japan attach great importance to the abductions issue. The abduction of foreign nationals is among the DPRK’s most serious human rights violations. As the abductees and their family members are aging, this must be resolved at the earliest possible date.

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          With regard to the human rights situation in Syria, Japan strongly condemns the blatant violation of human rights and relevant international law by all parties to the conflict. Japan is also concerned with a grave humanitarian situation, including the influx of a large number of refugees into Europe.

 

          We are concerned that the activities of ISIL have become a threat not only to the people of the Middle East but also to the international order as a whole. We would like to stress that a political solution towards the stabilization of the situation of Syria should be based on the Geneva Communiqué.

 

          We hope that the necessary measures will be taken for the betterment of the human rights and humanitarian situations in the region, and strongly demand that a regime transition process led by the Syrians themselves will make progress.

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          Japan appreciates the Government of Myanmar’s continued engagement and efforts towards democratization and national reconciliation. In this regard, we welcome the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with eight armed groups. We strongly hope that the elections on 8 November will be held in a free and fair manner.

 

          On the other hand, we remain deeply concerned about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in the country, including those in Rakhine State. We encourage the Government of Myanmar to take further steps and make further reforms to ensure that these specific groups will not be legally and socially alienated.

 

          Japan remains fully open to bilateral human rights dialogue with the Government of Myanmar. Through these channels, we wish to encourage and support Myanmar’s efforts toward achieving unity within the country.

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          We see many issues yet to be improved in the situation of human rights in Iran, which include limitations on the freedom of expression and the detention of journalists. Japan calls on Iran to take the necessary measures to dispel such concerns by providing further explanation in a transparent manner.

 

          On the other hand, we note Iran’s positive engagement in the last annual human rights dialogue between Japan and Iran. We hope to see Iran make progress based on its commitments to the protection of the rights of its citizens, as well as to improve the status and rights of women.

 

          Japan expects that the cooperative relationship between Iran and the international community including the OHCHR and the special rapporteur will be strengthened. For its part, Japan will continue to positively engage in dialogue and cooperation with the government of Iran.

 

 

I thank you, Mr. Chair.