Governmental Expert’s Meeting held in Preparation for the Kyoto Congress from September 9 to 11, 2019.

A Governmental Expert Meeting was held in Kyoto from September 9 to 11, 2019. This meeting was the first step in negotiations towards the adoption of a political declaration, the outcome document of the Kyoto Congress. The negotiations will move into full swing in Vienna this fall. During the meeting, approximately 50 governmental experts attended, including criminal justice experts recommended by the five regional groups of the UN.

After opening remarks by Mr. Tsuji Hiroyuki, Vice-Minister of Justice, and Mr. John Brandolino, Director, Division for Treaty Affairs, UNODC, there was active discussion among experts from various countries regarding ideas for the structure and contents of the political declaration. On the second day, participants toured the Kyoto International Conference Center and visited Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple, which for many years has been devoted to prison chaplain activities. At Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple, Mr. Shanada Tsuneo, President of the National Chaplain’s Association, gave an explanation about their prison chaplain activities.

Opening statement by Mr. Tsuji Hiroyuki, Vice-Minister of Justice (left) and the Governmental Expert’s Meeting (right)

Tour of the Kyoto International Conference Center (left) and visit to Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple (right)