The 61st Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Statement by Mr. SHIOTA Takahiro, Minister-Counsellor (6 March 2026)
2026/3/7
The 61st Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Statement by Mr. SHIOTA Takahiro, Minister-Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
6 March 2026
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Statement by Mr. SHIOTA Takahiro, Minister-Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
6 March 2026
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Madam Special Rapporteur, for your insightful report.
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), presenting a crucial opportunity to reflect on progress to date. Japan places great importance on protecting and promoting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities.
As the report highlights, it is essential to ensure meaningful access to political processes and expand leadership opportunities for persons with disabilities—as voters, candidates, and elected representatives.
In this regard, Japan has introduced accessibility measures such as electronic voting. Since 2002, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has been implementing electronic voting for local elections. In 2024, electronic voting using general-purpose devices such as tablets was adopted to facilitate voting by persons who have difficulty writing independently, including those with visual impairments.
Japan reaffirms its commitment to fully implementing the Convention and fostering an inclusive society.
Madam Special Rapporteur, what measures do you recommend to encourage greater political participation by persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, who face particularly high barriers to political participation?
I thank you.
Thank you, Madam Special Rapporteur, for your insightful report.
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), presenting a crucial opportunity to reflect on progress to date. Japan places great importance on protecting and promoting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities.
As the report highlights, it is essential to ensure meaningful access to political processes and expand leadership opportunities for persons with disabilities—as voters, candidates, and elected representatives.
In this regard, Japan has introduced accessibility measures such as electronic voting. Since 2002, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has been implementing electronic voting for local elections. In 2024, electronic voting using general-purpose devices such as tablets was adopted to facilitate voting by persons who have difficulty writing independently, including those with visual impairments.
Japan reaffirms its commitment to fully implementing the Convention and fostering an inclusive society.
Madam Special Rapporteur, what measures do you recommend to encourage greater political participation by persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, who face particularly high barriers to political participation?
I thank you.