26th Session of UPR, Review of Zimbawe, Ms. Minae TSUCHIYA, First Secretary, The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva (2 November 2016)

 
Thank you, Mr. President,
 
              Japan welcomes the progress made by Zimbabwe toward protection of human rights through revision of domestic laws since the adoption of a new Constitution in May 2013 and urges the government to take measures to restore the human rights situation through strengthening the rule of law. Given the effectiveness of economic recovery for ensuring human rights, Japan expects Zimbabwe to steadily implement the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIM-ASSET).
             
              We welcome the constitutional provision of January 2016 establishing the age of majority at 18 years and the prohibition on pledging children in marriage and on forced marriage.
 
              Japan recommends that the government act swiftly to address issues of discrimination against girls in education, especially sexual abuse and harassment of girls in schools, as well as difficulties faced by children in remote and rural areas in accessing education. Japan expects Zimbabwe to promptly implement revisions to legislation to ensure the rights of children, including legislation to increase the minimum working age, as President Mugabe mentioned in the parliament recently.
 
　　　　　Japan expects to see progress in the investigation into the March 2015 disappearance of human rights defender.  Japan recommends that Zimbabwe proceed with the early conclusion of the ICCPED and CAT and issue standing invitations to the special procedures for their country visits.
                                                                                                                              
 
I thank you Mr. President.