The 58th Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Statement by Ms. ASANO Yuko (10 March 2025)

　Thank you, Mr. President.
 
　Thank you, Madam Special Rapporteur, for your insightful report.
 
　Indeed, as you have pointed out in your report, persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group, and women and girls with disabilities often face vulnerability. While assistance must be provided based on the nature of their disabilities, an intersectional approach is indispensable to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, especially women and girls with disabilities, and to respect and promote their rights and fundamental freedoms.
 
　On the eve of the solemn anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, we are reminded that, in times of emergency, appropriate assistance based on an intersectional approach is possible only when it is well-prepared in advance. In this respect, as a disaster-prone country, Japan has national action plans and guidelines that promote the active participation of women in policy planning on disaster management as well as the reconstruction process. Furthermore, the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities provides that national and local governments shall take necessary measures relating to disaster prevention and crime prevention in accordance with the gender, age, state of disability, and lifestyle of persons with disabilities.   
 
　Japan remains committed to cooperating with the international community to achieve gender equality and further equalize opportunities for persons with disabilities.
 
　I thank you.