Translation of Newspaper Report on UN HR High Commissioner visit to Japan

Translation of Newspaper Report on UN HR High Commissioner visit to Japan

Asahi (National) May 15^th 2010

Headline: UN Human Rights High Commissioner concerned about whale meat trial - “Investigation by NGO is important”

Navanethem Pillay UN High commissioner

On the 14th of May Navanethem Pillay UN High commissioner, visiting Japan, expressed concerns about the ongoing trial of two Greenpeace Japan member arrested and prosecuted for theft of whale meat by saying it's an issue of rights of freedom of expression and association.

She expressed the concern in an interview with Asahi newspaper. Those two were arrested for theft of whale meat from the warehouse of the transportation company sent by crewmember to their homes.

They justified this in the trial by saying “it was to expose embezzlement by the crew members”

Ms Pillay said, “The ability for NGOs to carry out investigations is very important for society, not only the Greenpeace case, but it should be respected in general.”

On the other hand she highly praised the fact that Prime Minister Hatoyama, whom she met on the 13th, said he is working to establish a human rights committee that will be independent from the government. “More than 100 countries including 15 countries in the Asia Pacific region have already established this committee. A Human Rights Committee can give assistance in cases of human rights violations” she emphasised.

Article written by Daisuke Furuta
Appeared on Pg 8 International Section (with picture of Commissioner)
English translation by Greenpeace Japan