8th Session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with Madame High Commissioner
02 June 2008

1.We would first like to express our profound appreciation to the very insightful and balanced orientation Madam High Commissioner has just made in her presentation.  The Government of Japan is extremely gratified for her efforts for the last four years since she assumed this dignified post charged with the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.  We particularly commend her role in leading the OHCHR with independence, impartiality and integrity, just in such a manner as it should be led.

2.As for the UPR, a newly designed and commenced system under her leadership, we could not agree more to your view that the UPR opened the way for the constructive participation of all states in efforts to promote human rights protection, and that its effectiveness could be further enhanced through contributions by experts and through appropriate follow-up mechanisms.  We would also like to join you in urging the Council to continue to support the vital functions performed by special procedures and to further strengthen this system as a crucial tool.  

3.We also share your appreciation to the first thematic special session on the right to food which saw consensual support to the resolution as a message from the Council.  Soaring food prices are posing so imminent and serious global challenges that the Government of Japan will address this issue in an active manner.

4.What I thought was important amongst what Madame High Commissioner mentioned is to establish a workable and effective system to protect witnesses in investigations and trials of serious human rights violations. 

5.

Lastly, despite the efforts made so far in the Council, actual human rights concerns still exist all around the world, not just in the fields of political and civil rights but also in those of economic, social and cultural rights.  The Japanese Government would welcome your efforts to continuously enhance constructive engagement with the Council.  The Government of Japan will continue to work closely with you and your successor for the protection and promotion of human rights.