859. Indonesia congratulated the Government on its open and thorough report, which presents in detail its careful consideration for the observations, concerns and recommendations expressed by various States during the review which took place in May. It also noted with appreciation that the report clearly expressed commitment to human rights education, to improving their criminal justice system and procedures which normally follows a very thorough investigative methodology. It commended Japan on the recent signing of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It noted that in October 2007 Japan became a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and it considered this a constructive example of Japan’s legitimate concern and commitment to the rule of law. From the consideration of its report, it is clear also that Japan is aware of areas where improvements can be made and Indonesia considered that the efforts in this regard form part of an ongoing process towards a full enjoyment of human rights in the country. It was encouraged by Japan’s positive response to United Nations mechanisms as well as by its commitment to improving existing standards and norms. Indonesia stated that it is confident that Japan’s efforts to fully implement these human rights norms will further enhance its latest commitments and achievements in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights.
860. Malaysia appreciated the opening statement by Japan. It appreciated the substantive responses to the comments Malaysia made during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group on 9 May 2008. It welcomed the frank manner in which Japan undertook the universal periodic review process. It noted that Japan has made great progress in several spheres and is widely acknowledged as one of the leading countries in promoting assistance to developing countries in numerous areas, including social, economic and cultural rights, as evidenced by the numerous cooperation programmes Japan has with other countries. Malaysia was encouraged that Japan continues to take this cooperative stance. Malaysia remained confident that Japan will continue to engage constructively with the international community in realizing the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.
861. Thailand thanked the Japanese delegation for providing further information and responses to several outstanding recommendations of the Working Group. It commended Japan on the sincerity and commitment of the Government to advancing the cause of human rights in Japan. Many important recommendations that Japan has agreed to implement are both instrumental and crucial to improving the situation of human rights on the ground in a practical manner. Specific measures worth highlighting were the follow-up on the establishment of human rights institutions, the elimination of all forms of discrimination including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the intention to consider signing or ratifying relevant human rights treaties. It commended the Japanese Government on these steps. Thailand’s delegation was impressed by the determination of the Japanese Government to seriously address other difficult issues and the challenges ahead. It believed that such determination should be supported and encouraged by the international community with a view to further enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights for all people in the Japanese society.
862. The Philippines thanked and congratulated the delegation of Japan on the presentation and its cooperative approach throughout the universal periodic review process, which reflected the importance the Government attaches to the promotion and protection of human rights and was demonstrated by the number of recommendations accepted by Japan. It recognized the clear intent of the Government to improve and strengthen its legislative and institutional human rights framework. It encouraged the Government to work with relevant partners and stakeholders to continue efforts in this regard. It appreciated that Japan accepted recommendations to enhance measures to address discrimination against women and minorities, and to combat trafficking in persons, with a special emphasis on women and children. It encouraged Japan to continue to pay attention to vulnerable groups and sectors of society, including migrants. It also commended Japan on its great contribution to the fight against poverty throughout the world. It expressed its confidence that the Government, through the strong commitment expressed before the Council, will indeed make steady progress in bringing better human rights promotion and protection to its peoples.
863. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea referred to the three recommendations it had made during the interactive dialogue, namely the settlements by Japan of its past human rights violations committed in Korea and other countries, the elimination of discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the cessation of the distortion of the history. With regard to the responses made, it regretted some of the misleading arguments, and the lack or no mention of the concrete measures or commitments on the part of Japan vis-à-vis these recommendations. For example, the arguments in the response of Japan regarding Japanese military sexual slavery are construed as impeding the solution of this problem. The surviving victims in their 80s and 90s are now continuing to take legal proceedings against Japan. This was followed by many parliaments and treaty bodies which have urged the Government to resolve the sexual slavery problem without any condition or delay. Its recommendations are based on the desire and aspirations, as well as the interests of not only the Korean people but also the many peoples throughout the world. It would be good for Japan if these recommendations were implemented. It called upon Japan once again to adopt practical and sincere measures or commitments aimed at implementing all these recommendations.
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