The 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, 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 human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
Statement by Ms. ONISHI Tomoko, Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
14 September 2026
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur
on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
Statement by Ms. ONISHI Tomoko, Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
14 September 2026
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.
We would like to thank Mr. ARROJO-AGUDO for his presentation. Japan has carefully reviewed the Special Rapporteur’s report, and we would like to respond to the following point mentioned therein.
While the report mentions that the tap water of more than 450,000 people in seven municipalities was contaminated with forever chemicals in Okinawa, in addressing the issue of PFOS and PFOA, it is important to prevent ingestion through drinking water. For this reason, as of this April, it has been made mandatory for water service providers to comply with the water quality standard for PFOS and PFOA. Following this change, all providers, including the Okinawa Prefectural Government, are required to comply with this standard and conduct water quality inspections.
In this regard, we would like to highlight that on the website of the Okinawa Prefectural Government, it is stated that “the concentration of PFOS and PFOA is below the national water quality standard (50 ng/l as the total of PFOS and PFOA), therefore the safety of treated water is ensured.”
The Government of Japan takes the concerns of local residents about PFAS seriously. We are taking the necessary measures based on scientific findings and sharing the relevant information with the public.
I thank you.
We would like to thank Mr. ARROJO-AGUDO for his presentation. Japan has carefully reviewed the Special Rapporteur’s report, and we would like to respond to the following point mentioned therein.
While the report mentions that the tap water of more than 450,000 people in seven municipalities was contaminated with forever chemicals in Okinawa, in addressing the issue of PFOS and PFOA, it is important to prevent ingestion through drinking water. For this reason, as of this April, it has been made mandatory for water service providers to comply with the water quality standard for PFOS and PFOA. Following this change, all providers, including the Okinawa Prefectural Government, are required to comply with this standard and conduct water quality inspections.
In this regard, we would like to highlight that on the website of the Okinawa Prefectural Government, it is stated that “the concentration of PFOS and PFOA is below the national water quality standard (50 ng/l as the total of PFOS and PFOA), therefore the safety of treated water is ensured.”
The Government of Japan takes the concerns of local residents about PFAS seriously. We are taking the necessary measures based on scientific findings and sharing the relevant information with the public.
I thank you.