The 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances, Statement by Mr. SHIMIZU Yohei (17 September 2025)

   Thank you, Madam. Vice-President.

   Enforced disappearance is a universal and grave human rights issue that occurs all around the world.
   Japan expresses its sincere respect to the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) for its continued engagement to resolve this issue.

   The abduction of Japanese nationals by the DPRK is a serious issue, as it affects our national sovereignty and the lives and safety of our people.
   The families of the victims of the abductions are now well advanced in age, making this a time-sensitive humanitarian issue that cannot be ignored. When we consider the tremendous suffering that the victims and their families have endured over the years, there is no time to waste.

   The DPRK, however, has not provided any substantive response to the requests from the Working Group to clarify the whereabouts of the Japanese abductees, which is extremely regrettable.
   Japan strongly urges North Korea to immediately return all abductees.

   With a view to realizing the abductees’ immediate return, we will continue to maintain close communication with the WGEID.
   In addition to Japan’s own efforts, the understanding and cooperation of the international community are indispensable to resolve the abduction issue.
 
   I thank you, Madam Vice-President.