Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 28^th Session (6-17 November 2017) : 3rd UPR of the Republic of Japan – Interactive Dialogue. [Geneva, 14 November 2017]

1. India welcomes the delegation of Japan and the presentation of its National Report.

2. We take note of the efforts made by Japan in implementing the recommendations and its voluntary commitments made at their last UPR.

3. India welcomes the full enforcement of Japan’s Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace Act. We however recommend Japan to enact legislation to ensure equal pay for equal work to both men and women in order to maintain gender parity and prevent gender based discrimination.

4. We also welcome the ‘Act on Proper Technical Intern Training and Protection of Technical Intern Trainees’ aimed at improving the standards and quality of oversight and also to protect the rights of technical interns visiting Japan under the Technical Intern Training Programme.

5. India welcomes the coming into effect in 2016 of the act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities for effective implementation of CRPD.

6. India appreciates the lead taken by Japan in the adoption of the Resolution on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and their Family Members. India also recommends Japan to consider taking steps to establish an independent National Human Rights Institution.

7. We wish Japan all success in its future endeavours in further promoting and protecting human rights.

Thank you Mr. President.