第37回人権理事会　議題4 北朝鮮人権状況特別報告者とのインタラクティブ・ダイアローグにおける志野大使のステートメント（平成30年3月12日）

　Thank you, Mr. President and thank you, Special Rapporteur.

　The Committee of Inquiry has described the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as one that “does not have any parallel in the contemporary world.” While it has been five years since the establishment of the Committee, the serious human rights situation continues unabated. In particular, abductions of foreign nationals that tear apart families are one of the most notorious human rights violations committed by the DPRK.

　In spite of the recent development, we should not forget that the DPRK is still pursuing its nuclear weapons and missile development. This is a clear violation of the series of Security Council Resolutions and is being carried out in disregard for the human rights situation of the people in North Korea.

　The abduction issue is a grave human rights and humanitarian issue that directly impacts Japan’s sovereignty as well as the lives and safety of Japanese citizen. It must be resolved without delay.

　We would like to stress once again that Japan has been strongly urging the DPRK to implement the Stockholm agreement, which we view as highly significant.

　Concerning the potential adverse impact of international sanctions as pointed out by the Special Rapporteur, the crux of this issue is the DPRK’s continued pursuit of nuclear and missile development in disregard for the human rights situation of its people.

　Mr. Special Rapporteur,

　As you have pointed out in your report to the General Assembly, the DPRK has not provided sufficient data to analyze the possible adverse effects of sanctions. Therefore, we advise that you consider this situation very carefully when you make this type of allegation.

　We ask the Special Rapporteur to continue to consider pursuing the accountability process based on the recommendations by the group of independent experts on accountability.

　We expect that further progress will be made in cooperation with the OHCHR Seoul Office in clarifying reports of the DPRK’s actions committed against citizens of other countries within and outside of its territory, including torture, summary executions, arbitrary detention, abductions, and other forms of human rights violations and abuses.

　Japan along with the EU will submit the annual resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK. In the same way as last year, we expect that this resolution will be adopted by consensus.