第63回人権理事会 議題3及び5 「先住民人権に関する専門家メカニズム」（EMRIP）とのインタラクティブ・ダイアローグにおける大西参事官ステートメント
令和8年9月25日
The 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council
Items 3 and 5: Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)
Statement by Ms. ONISHI Tomoko, Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
24 September 2026
Items 3 and 5: Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)
Statement by Ms. ONISHI Tomoko, Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
24 September 2026
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.
Japan thanks the Expert Mechanism for its presentation and has carefully reviewed its study. We would like to explain our views on some points mentioned therein.
We note that the study aims to examine the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations. The Government of Japan, however, is not of the view that people born in Okinawa are “Indigenous people” or that they are part of an “Indigenous ethnic group,” nor is such a view widely recognized in Japan. In fact, voices of protest have been raised in several municipal assemblies in Okinawa stating that such a view is incorrect.
Japanese people living in, or born in, Okinawa Prefecture are Japanese nationals and their rights are guaranteed fully and without distinction.
The study mentions that PFAS contamination in Okinawa is linked to military bases. However, it is difficult at this stage to definitively establish such a causal relationship. The Government of Japan takes the concerns of local residents seriously and is taking the necessary measures based on scientific findings and sharing the relevant information with the public.
Japan will continue to engage with issues concerning Indigenous Peoples in cooperation with the international community.
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.
Japan thanks the Expert Mechanism for its presentation and has carefully reviewed its study. We would like to explain our views on some points mentioned therein.
We note that the study aims to examine the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations. The Government of Japan, however, is not of the view that people born in Okinawa are “Indigenous people” or that they are part of an “Indigenous ethnic group,” nor is such a view widely recognized in Japan. In fact, voices of protest have been raised in several municipal assemblies in Okinawa stating that such a view is incorrect.
Japanese people living in, or born in, Okinawa Prefecture are Japanese nationals and their rights are guaranteed fully and without distinction.
The study mentions that PFAS contamination in Okinawa is linked to military bases. However, it is difficult at this stage to definitively establish such a causal relationship. The Government of Japan takes the concerns of local residents seriously and is taking the necessary measures based on scientific findings and sharing the relevant information with the public.
Japan will continue to engage with issues concerning Indigenous Peoples in cooperation with the international community.
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.