The 50th Session of the UPR Working Group, Review of the Republic of Bulgaria, Statement by SHIOTA Takahiro, Minister-Counsellor (6 November 2025)

   Thank you, Mr. President.

   Japan warmly welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria to this session.

   Japan appreciates Bulgaria’s efforts to amend relevant legislation to further protect the rights of victims of domestic violence, and to establish a working group under the Minister of Justice to draft amendments to the Judicial System Act. We also commend the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Act and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Commission to efficiently prevent and investigate corruption offences.

   In light of these efforts, Japan would like to make three recommendations:

   1. promote judicial independence by ensuring that appropriate judicial proceedings are implemented; 
 
   2. further improve living conditions for migrants, and establish alternatives to deprivation of liberty; 

   3. continue efforts to adopt a human rights-based approach to disability.

   We wish the delegation of Bulgaria every success in this review.

   I thank you.