第28回UPR（普遍的・定期的レビュー）対ガーナ審査　志野光子大使ステートメント（平成29年11月7日）

Thank you, Mr. President.

      Japan appreciates the fact that the 2016 presidential elections were carried out in an orderly manner. Japan expects Ghana to continue to promote good governance and socioeconomic development as a model for democracy in Africa, since we believe Ghana’s experience would contribute to peace and stability in not only West Africa but also other African countries.

      Japan also commends the activities of the DOVVSU (Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit) of the Ghana Police Service to protect women and children from human rights violations.

      Japan is, however, concerned by the persistence of customs that have already been criminalized in Ghana, including Female Genital Mutilation, Trokosi (ritual servitude), and forced early marriage, as pointed out by the CCPR. Japan recommends that Ghana enhance education and awareness-raising to ensure maximum respect for the rights of girls.

      It is important for the country’s future that Ghana strengthen measures toward the realization of Target 16.2 of the SDGs, which calls for an end to all forms of violence against children. In this connection, Japan notes with concern the report by the Ghanaian government that 21.8 percent of children younger than 18 engaged in child labor. Japan recommends that Ghana strengthen its measures to eradicate child labor.

      Japan further recommends that Ghana consider ratifying the core human rights treaties, including the ICCPED (International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance).

I thank you, Mr. President.