General Debate on Item 2 — Statement of Japan Ambassador Ken OKANIWA Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva (26 June 2019)
2019/7/5
Ambassador Ken OKANIWA
Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
26 June 2019
Thank you, Mr. President.
Japan wishes to reiterate its gratitude to the High Commissioner for her visit to Japan in March of this year. Her visit was highly significant as it made possible useful discussions with various experts and government officials. Japan also welcomes the High Commissioner’s visit to Venezuela last week. Japan expects that those countries that have not yet agreed to a visit by the High Commissioner will agree to a visit at an early stage in response to her requests.
By commemorating the fifth anniversary of the inception of the World Assembly for Women (WAW!) in which the High Commissioner participated as the main speaker during her visit, Japan commits to making further efforts to promote a society where women shine. Japan also intends to further contribute to promotion and protection of the rights of children through the revision of its legislation to eliminate violence against children and through actively participating in the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children (GPeVAC).
Japan’s views on individual countries will be stated in other sessions. Japan is concerned about the prevalence in the Asia-Pacific region of human rights challenges such as the repression of the fundamental rights and freedoms of a country’s own nationals, including human rights defenders and minorities. Japan continues to engage with countries concerned and to encourage the promotion and protection of human rights in the region.
I thank you, Mr. President.