Press Releases
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Adoption of the Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, including the Establishment of a Commission of Inquiry at the 22nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council
March 22, 2013
- On March 22 (March 21 local time), at the 22nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) being held in Geneva, Switzerland, a resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was adopted by consensus that was jointly submitted by Japan and the European Union (EU) calling for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI). Japan highly commends its adoption.
- There has been no improvement of human rights situation in the DPRK, including the abductions issue, regardless of the international community’s continuing expressions of deep concern. Japan recognizes earlier the need of newly establishing a COI, and has been consulting with relevant countries and regions such as the EU about this matter.
- Japan strongly believes that the COI will be established at an early date and that its inquiry will contribute to improving the human rights situation in North Korea, including the early resolution of the abductions issue.
- Japan continues to strongly urge the DPRK to take concrete measures to improve its human rights situation, including the early resolution of the abductions issue, as well as to cooperate with the international community in order to achieve it.