第34回人権理事会　スリランカ報告書を受けたインタラクティブ・ダイアログ 志野光子大使によるステートメント(3月22日)

Thank you, Mr. President,

　Stressing the importance of promoting Sri Lanka’s own initiatives, Japan has long been actively involved in the Sri Lankan peace process. We have confirmed the intentions behind the Government’s continued efforts toward national reconciliation in cooperation with the international community since the adoption of Resolution 30/1 of this Council. As such, Japan has decided to co-sponsor the draft resolution submitted during this Council session. Japan urges the Government to take steady and rapid action based on the resolution.

　High Commissioner, Japan hopes that you and your office will continue your close cooperation with the Government. Such collaboration with the international community is essential for its reconciliation.
　
　To achieve true national reconciliation, the process must be accepted by all Sri Lankan citizens, including minorities. Japan commends the Government for accepting visits by the Secretary General and the Special Procedures Mandate Holders since the adoption of Resolution 30/1. Important progress has also been made in the area of transitional justice. In August last year Sri Lanka passed legislation that allowed for an office of missing persons to be created, and this January the National Consultation Task Force on the reconciliation mechanism submitted its final report. Japan looks forward to seeing further progress as a result of such steady and concrete efforts.

　The High Commissioner’s report calls for swift progress in human rights in Sri Lanka. Toward this end, Japan continues to provide assistance for building infrastructure, community development, and demining activities in conflict-affected areas of the country. Japan will further support Sri Lankan reconstruction and peace building, including by sending Prosecutor Motoo Noguchi to the country to provide cooperation for the reconciliation process.

　I thank you, Mr. President.