Statement by H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
On the General Assembly Draft Resolution on the
“Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”
19 November 2015
Mr. Chairman,
Let me start by thanking you, Ambassador Hilale, for your leadership.
Now, I would like to address the General Assembly draft resolution titled, “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)” contained in L.35, as revised by Luxembourg right now. Japan fully supports the statement made by Ambassador Lucas, the distinguished Permanent Representative of Luxembourg who spoke on behalf of European Union Member States. I express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work done by the delegation of the European Union. Japan is very honored to co-author this text with the EU. I also express our appreciation to the total of 59 countries who co-sponsored the draft resolution.
Mr. Chairman,
The human rights situation in the DPRK continues to be critical. Special Rapporteur, Mr. Marzuki Darusman said in his recent report on the DPRK submitted to the General Assembly that, ”Regrettably, the situation remains the same, despite the grave concerns reiterated by the international community in different forums.” We are therefore obliged to table this draft resolution.
This year’s text is once again based on the findings of the unprecedented and historic report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) of February 2014. The report provides guiding principles for the international community to respond to the situation in the DPRK.
The Commission encourages the Security Council to take appropriate action to ensure accountability. In this connection, last December, the UN Security Council discussed the situation of human rights in the DPRK for the first time in an official meeting. The draft resolution in front of us welcomes this development and encourages the Council to continue its active engagement on this matter.
Among the serious human rights violations by the DPRK, the draft resolution recalls the abduction of foreign nationals. Abductees of various nationalities and their families, including the Japanese, are aging. This situation must be resolved at the earliest possible date.
Mr. Chairman,
Adoption of this year’s resolution by a majority of Member States will serve as an important opportunity to send the international community’s message to the DPRK. We strongly urge the DPRK to respond in good faith to the concerns raised by the international community and improve the human rights situation on the ground, including having all the abductees returned from the DPRK as soon as possible.
Japan, therefore, urges all delegates present here today to vote in favor of this draft resolution as orally revised by Luxembourg.
