The 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Statement by Ms. ONISHI Tomoko
2026/9/15
The 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes
Statement by Ms. ONISHI Tomoko, Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
14 September 2026
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
14 September 2026
[Full version]
Thank you, Mr.Vice-President.
We thank Ms. CARNEY ALMROTH for her presentation and we would like to reiterate our views on some points mentioned in the report under consideration in line with our response to the call for contributions from the Special Rapporteur of 25 November 2025.
The report mentions that severe PFAS contamination has been detected around the Futenma and Kadena airbases in Okinawa. However, as PFAS are used for various purposes, it is difficult at this stage to definitively establish a causal relationship between PFAS detections and activities at the facilities and areas used by U.S. Forces Japan.
The Government of Japan takes the concerns of local residents seriously. We are taking the necessary measures based on scientific findings and sharing the relevant information with the public.
In 2024, Japan’s Food Safety Commission, under the Cabinet Office, conducted a risk assessment of PFOS and PFOA. The Commission is independent from risk management organizations and implements science-based risk assessment of food, referring to the latest information from other countries and organizations. Based on the tolerable daily intake established by the Commission, a combined limit of 50 ng/l was set as the water quality standard for PFOS and PFOA. As of April 2026, all water suppliers are required to comply with this standard and conduct water quality inspections.
From 2019 to 2023, the Government provided a subsidy to the Okinawa Prefectural Government to install granular activated carbon at the Chatan Water Purification Plant. This subsidy was provided under a framework intended to help ensure a stable water supply to U.S. Forces Japan, and the Okinawa Prefectural Government was fully aware of its scope.
As we proceed with government-wide efforts, we will continue to consider what measures can be taken to ensure safe drinking water for the people of Okinawa.
I thank you.
We thank Ms. CARNEY ALMROTH for her presentation and we would like to reiterate our views on some points mentioned in the report under consideration in line with our response to the call for contributions from the Special Rapporteur of 25 November 2025.
The report mentions that severe PFAS contamination has been detected around the Futenma and Kadena airbases in Okinawa. However, as PFAS are used for various purposes, it is difficult at this stage to definitively establish a causal relationship between PFAS detections and activities at the facilities and areas used by U.S. Forces Japan.
The Government of Japan takes the concerns of local residents seriously. We are taking the necessary measures based on scientific findings and sharing the relevant information with the public.
In 2024, Japan’s Food Safety Commission, under the Cabinet Office, conducted a risk assessment of PFOS and PFOA. The Commission is independent from risk management organizations and implements science-based risk assessment of food, referring to the latest information from other countries and organizations. Based on the tolerable daily intake established by the Commission, a combined limit of 50 ng/l was set as the water quality standard for PFOS and PFOA. As of April 2026, all water suppliers are required to comply with this standard and conduct water quality inspections.
From 2019 to 2023, the Government provided a subsidy to the Okinawa Prefectural Government to install granular activated carbon at the Chatan Water Purification Plant. This subsidy was provided under a framework intended to help ensure a stable water supply to U.S. Forces Japan, and the Okinawa Prefectural Government was fully aware of its scope.
As we proceed with government-wide efforts, we will continue to consider what measures can be taken to ensure safe drinking water for the people of Okinawa.
I thank you.