From March 10 to 13, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs visited the U.S. to attend the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The overview of the events is as follows:
1. High-Level Meeting on Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) hosted by the UK government
On the morning of March 11, Ms. ERI attended the High-Level Meeting on Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs), which took place at the UK Mission to the United Nations. She stated that the safe and meaningful participation of Women Human Rights Defenders in peacebuilding and political processes is crucial from the perspective of Women, Peace, and Security.
2. PSVI Alliance Meeting hosted by the Ukrainian government
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On the afternoon of March 11, Ms. ERI attended the meeting of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI), which was held at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN and delivered a closing remark. In her speech, she highlighted that Japan serves as Vice Co-Chair of the Alliance under the leadership of the Ukrainian Presidency, while also introducing Japan’s commitment to prevent sexual violence in conflict, in close collaboration with other Alliance members to move this initiative forward.
3. Event hosted by UN Action on Sexual Violence in Conflict
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On the morning of March 12, Ms. ERI attended an event hosted by UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict and delivered an opening address. In her speech, Ms. ERI expressed her gratitude for the leadership of UN Action and its Chair, Ms. Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. She stated that Japan has been contributing to UN Action since 2017 and will continue to work together to end sexual violence in conflict, build inclusive societies, and contribute to international peace and security.
4. CSW Ministerial round table
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At noon on March 12, Ms. ERI attended the CSW Ministerial round table held at the UN Headquarters and made a statement. In her statement, she mentioned that the speed with which she was able to make an official visit to the UN as head of the Japanese delegation to the CSW, less than three years after leaving her position as a UN official, was a testament to Japan’s recent achievements and ongoing commitment to inclusiveness and gender equality. She explained the Government of Japan’s efforts to achieve gender equality, including the formulation of the Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the Intensive Policy for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, collaboration with the private sector and civil society, and the promotion of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
5. CSW General debate
On the afternoon of March 12, Ms. ERI attended the CSW General debate at the UN Headquarters and made a statement. In her statement, she highlighted the growing trend of women’s empowerment in Japanese society and emphasized Japan’s commitment to promoting WPS through contributions to UN Women and other means.
She also reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast commitment to eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and stated that Japan would continue to contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment in both Japan and the international community, in cooperation with various stakeholders, including the UN agencies and civil society.
6. Dialogue with Japanese officials of the UN
On the evening of March 12, Ms. ERI attended a dialogue with Japanese officials of the UN, which was held at the official residence of Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN.
7. Bilateral meetings with representatives of international organizations and participating countries
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From March 11 to 12, Ms. ERI held a series of bilateral meetings with the following representatives of international organizations and participating countries on the occasion of the CSW to exchange views on collaborations:
Ms. Katrina Fotovat, Senior Bureau Official, Office of Global Women’s Issues, U.S. Department of State
Mr. Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, Department of Safety and Security (DSS)
Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women
Ms. Tatjana Macura, Minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women
Ms. Laura Rissanen, Her Vice-Minister, State Minister of Social Security
Ms. Cristina Duarte, Under-Secretary-General (USG) and Special Adviser of the United Nations Secretary-General on Africa
Ms. Aurore Bergé, Minister for Gender Equality and the Fight against Discrimination
Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)
(Reference1) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), established through a resolution adopted by ECOSOC in 1946. The Commission convenes annually in March for two weeks to discuss matters concerning gender equality and women’s empowerment. Comprising representatives from 45 Member States, Japan has been almost continuously elected as a member since 1958.
(Reference2) Transcript of the statement at the CSW Ministerial round table (PDF)
(Reference3) Transcript of the statement at the CSW General debate (PDF)