第43回人権理事会　議題3　一般討論における西野修一参事官によるステートメント（2020年3月5日）

 
Thank you, Madam President.
 
This year, Japan will hold the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Games will be prepared and organized for the first time in line with the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Through the Games, Japan aims to realize an inclusive society that respects human rights, including the rights of people with disabilities.
 
Fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, need to be ensured and oppression of human rights defenders must be prevented.
 
We all know that different countries face different challenges, take different approaches, and make progress at different paces. Despite these differences, it is possible to share basic values and move forward in the same direction. Japan announced its intention to join the Media Freedom Coalition. Japan will work with the international community to further its efforts to promote media freedom.
 
In February, Japan accepted the visit of the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. Japan will continue to lead international discussion toward the elimination of this discrimination. It is important to raise awareness of the issue, listen to the voices of voiceless, and take a participatory approach, involving persons affected in decision-making process.
 
The protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous people is an important agenda. Japan will advance its efforts to restore and develop the culture of the Ainu, our indigenous people.
 
I thank you, Madam President.