The 41st Session of the Human Rights Council Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur On Violence against Women Statement by Ambassador Ken OKANIWA, Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva (27 June 2019)

The 41st Session of the Human Rights Council (27 June 2019)

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur
On Violence against Women

Statement by Ambassador Ken OKANIWA
Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva

Thank you, Vice-President.

　Economic empowerment of women will improve their status and contribute to eradicating violence against women. As the Presidency of the G20, Japan attaches priority to promoting women’s participation in the workplace, supporting girls’ education and involving women entrepreneurs and business leaders.

　Japan also provides assistance to strengthening capacity of the police to deal with gender-based violence and to build judicial systems which contribute to prevention and elimination of violence against women. Such cooperation is extended to Africa and the Middle-East, including Afghanistan, Central African Republic, the DRC and Iraq.

　With regard to the comfort women issue mentioned by the Republic of Korea, Japan has long been sincerely dealing with this issue. Japan has absolutely no intention of denying or trivializing the issue of “comfort women.” However, there have been reports by Special Rapporteurs such as that of Ms. Coomaraswamy including one-sided and uncorroborated claims. Japan considers it extremely unfortunate that such inaccuracies continue to mistakenly appear as persuasive evidence in UN reports and recommendations. As a result of considerable diplomatic efforts, Japan and the Republic of Korea reached an agreement in December 2015. This agreement confirmed that the comfort women issue was resolved “finally and irreversibly.” It is extremely important that this agreement be steadily implemented.

　Elimination of violence against women is an essential measure to promote women’s equal participation in society. Japan will further strengthen its efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s active participation in society.

　Thank you, Vice-President.