The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council, Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women (Panel 2: Commemoration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy focusing on overcoming barriers to women’s leadership in peace processes), Statement by Ambassador OIKE Atsuyuki (25 June 2025)

 
   Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

   Japan expresses its sincere appreciation to the panelists for their valuable insights as we commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
 
   This year marks the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325. Japan reaffirms its strong commitment to ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of all women in peace and security, including in decision-making.
 
　We recognize that, despite decades of progress, structural barriers and discriminatory practices continue to limit women’s access to leadership in diplomacy and conflict resolution.
 
　As a country deeply committed to advancing gender equality and human rights, Japan believes that empowering women in line with the WPS agenda is essential for achieving sustainable peace and protecting and promoting the human rights of all.

  Japan continues to implement its National Action Plan on WPS. In this regard, together with Norway, we co-chair the WPS Focal Points Network and hosted its Capital-Level Meeting in Tokyo this February, where participants reaffirmed the importance of women’s roles in peace mediation, and addressed emerging issues such as disaster response, AI, and cybersecurity.

   As we also commemorate Beijing+30, Japan remains dedicated to working closely with all stakeholders, including civil society, to fully implement the commitments set out in these landmark frameworks to protect and promote human rights of all, especially women and girls.

   I thank you.