The 47th Session of the Human Rights Council Item 4: EOV on the draft resolution Situation of human rights in Belarus by Ambassador OKANIWA Ken (13 July 2021)

Thank you, Madam President.
 
 Japan thanks the EU for presenting the draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Belarus.
 
 It is extremely regrettable that, despite the appeals from the international community, including Japan, the Government of Belarus has not stopped the arbitrary detention of its citizens, and is continuing to act against the principles of the rule of law and democracy. Japan strongly urges the Belarusian authorities to immediately cease such arbitrary detention and forceful oppression of its citizens, and to engage in national dialogue that respects the rule of law and democracy.
 
 In light of the above, Japan support this draft resolution.
 
 Draft resolution L.9, however, includes content that is incompatible with Japan’s position on the death penalty. Japan disassociates itself from operative paragraph 17.
 
I thank you, Madam President.