The 56th Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 3: ID with Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Statement by Ambassador HONSEI Kozo (21 June 2024)

 
  Thank you, Mr. President.
 
  Japan reaffirms its commitment to addressing violence against women and girls and its adverse effects.
 
  As noted by the Special Rapporteur, the challenges facing women are diverse, complex, and compounded. These include impoverishment, subjection to sexual violence and crimes, and breakdown of domestic relationships. And all these issues were brought to the fore by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
  To this end, we have enforced a new legislation this year, recognizing the urgent need to strengthen support for women facing difficulties.
The perspectives of “women’s welfare,” “respect and protection of human rights,” and “gender equality,” are the basic principles of this new legislation, which specifies the duty of the national and local governments to take necessary measures to support women facing difficulties. Cooperation with relevant stakeholders is essential for such efforts. In this regard, the new law also provides for collaboration with private organizations to support women facing difficulties.
 
  Japan seeks to protect the dignity and human rights of women and girls who suffer under multiple challenges, and is committed to ensuring that their rights are fully respected.
 
  I thank you.