General Debate on Item 5 — Statement of Japan Ambassador Ken OKANIWA, Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva (3 July 2019)

General Debate on Item 5 — Statement of Japan
Ambassador Ken OKANIWA
Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
3 July 2019

Thank you, Mr. President.

　The treaty bodies and the special procedures play an important role to promote and protect human rights. They constitute an indispensable part of the UN human rights mechanisms.

　At the same time, there is room for improvement. Japan’s position on the 2020 treaty bodies review is expressed in its response to the OHCHR’s questionnaire. In order for member states to promote and protect human rights through the UN human rights mechanisms, it is essential that the treaty bodies improve their functions and increase efficiency. We should seek concrete measures through active participation of member states in the discussion and strengthening coordination between Geneva and New York.

　While recognizing their importance, the special procedures have various challenges such as lack of communication with states and overlap of mandates. For further improvement, reforms such as introduction of third-party evaluation are necessary. Among others, another challenge is ensuring that mandate holders have a certain level of qualification and accountability.

　Given the duplication of mandates between the treaty bodies and the special procedures, the treaty bodies review and improvement of the special procedures require a more holistic discussion. Japan looks forward to a revitalized discussion on this matter in Geneva and New York.

　I thank you, Mr. President.