第40回人権理事会　議題2　国連人権高等弁務官による年次報告並びに人権高等弁務官事務所及び国連事務総長による報告に関する一般討論における岡庭健大使ステートメント（2019年3月20日）

The 40th Session of the Human Rights Council (20 March 2019)

Item 2: General Debate on Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General
Statement by Ambassador Ken OKANIWA
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva

Thank you, Mr. President.

Japan takes note of the report by the High Commissioner on the human rights situation of Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.

Japan shares the international community’s concerns. We should continue to support efforts by both Bangladesh and Myanmar to improve the situations on the ground. Japan values the steps taken by Myanmar to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. At the same time, Japan expects Myanmar to redouble its efforts to create conducive conditions for the return of the displaced persons and ensure a transparent and credible investigation by the ICoE.

Regarding Venezuela, Japan appreciates the oral update by the High Commissioner.

Japan remains concerned by the deterioration of the human rights situation in Venezuela, particularly for those in vulnerable situations. We are further concerned about the waves of people fleeing Venezuela, causing a region-wide impact including on neighboring countries. Japan will continue to provide support for the Venezuelan people, including those fleeing the country, as well as for the neighboring countries affected.

Japan deplores the human rights situations in Yemen. Due to prolonged fighting and the dire humanitarian situation, many innocent lives have been lost.

To solve the Yemen crisis, it is necessary to have dialogue between the parties concerned. The Stockholm Agreement reached last year was an important step toward stabilizing Yemen. Japan supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy, Mr. Martin Griffiths. The steady implementation of the Stockholm Agreement is indispensable, and we strongly hope that further progress will be made in the peace talks.

Japan will continue to provide support for Yemen, including for internally displaced people and vulnerable women and girls, through international organizations.

I thank you, Mr President.