第33回人権理事会 議題3 「高齢者」独立専門家とのインタラクティブ・ダイアログにおける土屋美奈江一等書記官ステートメント (平成28年9月15日)
平成28年9月26日
33rd Session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on enjoyment
of all human rights by older persons
Statement by Ms. Minae TSUCHIYA, First Secretary
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
15 September 2016
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on enjoyment
of all human rights by older persons
Statement by Ms. Minae TSUCHIYA, First Secretary
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
15 September 2016
I would like to begin by thanking the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons for her contribution.
In 1970, Japan became an “aging society” with 7 % of its population over 65 years old. Now, 45 years on, the aging rate has reached 26%, which is the highest in the world so we are now coping with a super-aged society.
More and more countries are going to face an aging society, aged society or even super-aged society. We do not believe that it is effective for those countries to tackle the relevant challenges in the same way, because factors such as cultural background, people’s lifestyles, the difficulties they face and the resources available to them, vary from one society to another.
We believe that the best way to address these challenges is by sharing good practices and undertaking necessary measures as early as possible.
Japan has rich experience adopting policies and legislation to meet such challenges. We are ready and willing to share our experiences.
For example, Japan has adopted a variety of legislation related to the social security system in order to enable older persons to continue to live with self-reliance. This includes the introduction of public health insurance for all citizens, including older persons, as well as public long-term care insurance, which covers all older persons. Additionally, legislative action has already been taken to make it possible for those who wish to continue in employment until they are eligible for public pension.
It would be our pleasure if our experiences in areas such as these could be of help. We wish to continue contributing in this field in cooperation with the international community.
In 1970, Japan became an “aging society” with 7 % of its population over 65 years old. Now, 45 years on, the aging rate has reached 26%, which is the highest in the world so we are now coping with a super-aged society.
More and more countries are going to face an aging society, aged society or even super-aged society. We do not believe that it is effective for those countries to tackle the relevant challenges in the same way, because factors such as cultural background, people’s lifestyles, the difficulties they face and the resources available to them, vary from one society to another.
We believe that the best way to address these challenges is by sharing good practices and undertaking necessary measures as early as possible.
Japan has rich experience adopting policies and legislation to meet such challenges. We are ready and willing to share our experiences.
For example, Japan has adopted a variety of legislation related to the social security system in order to enable older persons to continue to live with self-reliance. This includes the introduction of public health insurance for all citizens, including older persons, as well as public long-term care insurance, which covers all older persons. Additionally, legislative action has already been taken to make it possible for those who wish to continue in employment until they are eligible for public pension.
It would be our pleasure if our experiences in areas such as these could be of help. We wish to continue contributing in this field in cooperation with the international community.