The 48th Session of the Human Rights Council Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Statement of Japan by Ambassador OKANIWA Ken, Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva (6 October 2021)

 
Japan highly appreciates the SR’s active engagement since his appointment.
 
He has made balanced and concrete recommendations, pointing out inadequacies while appreciating the efforts of the Government, including its response to COVID-19. We support his efforts.
 
At the national elections in 2018, the atrophy of political parties, civil society, and the media was reported. We hope the local elections in 2022 and the national elections in 2023 will be held with the participation of a wide range of political parties reflecting diverse views. Japan strongly expects Cambodia to further improve its human rights situation in cooperation with the SR, the OHCHR, the international community, and above all, the domestic stakeholders. Japan is ready to support such efforts.
 
Japan has submitted a draft resolution to extend the SR’s mandate. We hope the resolution will be adopted by consensus as in the past.
 
Mr. Special Rapporteur, you pointed out that the coming elections should be fair and transparent. Japan is in full agreement and would like to know what specific measures should be taken to ensure this.