Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: I have an announcement on the DRC at the outset.

As stated in the Statement by the Press Secretary issued on January 28, I am aware that the armed group “March 23 Movement” (so-called M23) invaded the eastern DRC, and has resulted in numerous casualties among its citizens and security forces. This situation is extremely regrettable, and Japan expresses its sincere condolences to the victims and expresses its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured.

In particular, Japan is deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground. Japan calls on M23 to immediately cease its attacks and withdraw, and on all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)’s mission to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access to those in need.

In addition, against the backdrop of the deteriorating situation in the eastern DRC, we are aware that people dissatisfied with the situation have conducted large-scale protests against several embassies and other sites in the capital city of Kinshasa, leading to destruction, looting, and other things in some cases.

At this moment, we have not received any information that Japanese citizens residing in the DRC have lost their lives or been injured. We will continue to pay close attention to the local situation, gather information, and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens by providing information and alerts in a timely and appropriate manner.

That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: I would like to ask about the recommendation issued last year by CEDAW, which called for amending Japan’s Imperial House Law. The Government of Japan had requested the deletion of the reference to amending the Imperial House Law. Nevertheless, I believe that the Committee still has not agreed to the request. Please explain the Government’s response on this matter.

Press Secretary Kitamura: Concluding observations were released following CEDAW’s consideration of the periodic report of Japan. Japan has repeatedly explained its position carefully and sincerely to CEDAW, both during the consideration process and afterwards. Nonetheless, as you just indicated in your question, the recommendation on amending the Imperial House Law remains in the final version of the concluding observations.

In view of this, the Government once again submitted Japan’s position in writing and had it placed on CEDAW’s website.

Japan’s position is as follows. First, Japan is of the view that the right to succeed the Imperial Throne is not included among the basic human rights, and therefore, limiting the right to succeed the Imperial Throne to a male offspring in the male line belonging to the Imperial Linage does not constitute “discrimination against women” as used in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Second, the system of succession to the throne is a matter related to the foundation of the State. For these reasons, it is not appropriate for CEDAW to raise issues in relation to the Imperial House Law, and the reference to the succession to the throne is unacceptable and should be deleted.

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention that the Government of Japan has decided to take two measures toward CEDAW in light of the situation.

First, in view of the fact that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) handles the administrative affairs of CEDAW, the Government has decided that CEDAW would be excluded from the uses of the voluntary contributions Japan makes annually to OHCHR for specific purposes. Second, the Government has decided to cancel the visit to Japan by the Committee members scheduled for this fiscal year.

We have informed the CEDAW side about taking these two measures.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: To follow up, could you tell us the date on which the Government notified CEDAW about the two measures? Additionally, if you have the information with you, could you tell us the approximate amount of contributions that Japan has paid so far? Please also share with us the details of the scheduled visit to Japan, such as who was supposed to come, where in Japan they planned to visit and when, and what they were going to do, if you know. Thank you.

Press Secretary Kitamura: Regarding your first question on the timing of our notification, I understand it was this Monday, January 27.

Regarding your second question on the total amount of Japan’s voluntary contributions, I do not have that figure in my materials at this time. In recent years, Japan has made voluntary contributions to OHCHR in the amount of roughly 20 to 30 million yen annually from our initial budget.

As for your last question on the visit to Japan, according to the materials I have, the program was originally intended to deepen CEDAW members’ understanding of Japan’s initiatives in the area of gender equality as well as Japanese traditions and culture. Since FY2017, around two to four members have been invited to Japan every year to exchange views with officials of relevant authorities in Japan and speak at educational institutions including universities, among other activities. They also visit the regions of Japan.

Eight members in total have been invited to Japan, and I understand that the visits have made some achievements in enhancing CEDAW’s understanding of Japan.

Regrettably, the program has been canceled since FY2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, under the guidelines, once the consideration of the periodic report begins, contact between the government of the country under consideration and Committee members becomes restricted, so the program has been canceled because the consideration of the ninth periodic report of Japan began since the same timing. The visit was originally planned to be resumed this fiscal year, and now, a decision was made to cancel it.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: I would like to confirm details about the contributions. I understand that Japan has been contributing or allocating approximately 20 to 30 million yen annually to CEDAW, so when will the contributions be stopped? Is it this fiscal year or the next fiscal year? Please tell us if any funds have actually been provided to the Committee. Is my understanding correct that contributions should not be provided to the Committee from this fiscal year?

Press Secretary Kitamura: To be precise, the voluntary contributions were not for CEDAW. As I mentioned earlier, Japan has made voluntary contributions to OHCHR, which is responsible for the administrative affairs of the Committee.

Funds from Japan’s voluntary contributions to OHCHR have not been used for activities related to CEDAW since at least 2005. However, it will be ensured that no portion of the voluntary contributions will be used for CEDAW’s activities even in the future by this latest decision. We view that this measure will further clarify the position of the Government of Japan on this matter.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: Last question. Why have funds not been provided to the Committee since 2005?

Press Secretary Kitamura: To reiterate, the contributions are voluntary contributions made to OHCHR. Japan has been making these contributions with the intention that they be used for OHCHR’s activities that Japan attaches particular importance to.

The activities to be funded have been determined comprehensively in line with individual circumstances. In recent years, Japan has been making contributions with the intention of funding OHCHR’s activities related to the human rights situation in ROK and Cambodia and the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by Hansen’s disease.

NHK, Tanii: I would like to ask a related question. First, I would like to confirm the relationship between OHCHR and CEDAW. You mentioned that OHCHR is responsible for the administrative affairs of CEDAW. Is it correct to understand that OHCHR is the organization above the Committee? Or is it not?

Press Secretary Kitamura: I do not have an official answer on the hierarchical relationship between the organizations. To reiterate, in principle, independent, appointed members of CEDAW convene meetings to conduct various considerations and other activities. Since the Committee does not have an administrative body that handles its administrative affairs, OHCHR has been carrying out the administrative work.

NHK, Tanii: One more question. Is my understanding correct that Japan will continue to make voluntary contributions to OHCHR next fiscal year and in subsequent years?

Press Secretary Kitamura: Since the Government must submit the budget to the Diet and have it approved, I cannot state with certainty here whether the contributions will continue every year. As OHCHR carries out activities that Japan attaches importance to, including the ones I mentioned earlier, the Government of Japan would like to continue considering support for such activities, and accordingly, will consider making voluntary contributions within the permissible range.

To reiterate, as part of our measures, we have decided that no portion of the contributed funds should be provided to CEDAW.

NHK, Tanii: One last question. I believe the Government of Japan has reasserted its view by conveying that the contributions should not be spent on certain uses. Has Japan ever told a United Nations (UN) agency to restrict the uses of such contributions or not to provide the funds to certain recipients? Is this the first time? Please tell us to the extent that you know.

Press Secretary Kitamura: I am unable to give you an immediate answer here on Japan’s contributions to the whole UN organization. Voluntary contributions are different from assessed contributions. As the name implies, they are voluntary contributions and are provided for activities or organizations that the Government of Japan considers important. In this sense, I believe it is common to convey the intended uses to the recipient.

To reiterate, the latest measure taken is to ensure that no portion of Japan’s voluntary contributions to OHCHR is provided to CEDAW. Japan is not ceasing its contributions to OHCHR.