Tokyo 2020 striving to ensure safety, chief organiser tells U.N.

The Tokyo 2020 Games are striving to ensure safety for all participants by taking effective public health measures against COVID-19, Toshiro Muto, chief executive of the organising committee, said on Wednesday.

Muto, addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva by pre-recorded video, added: "Through the successful hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Games, we hope to show the world that people have the right to live healthier and happier lives, even in difficult circumstances."

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, who is due to arrive in Tokyo on Thursday from Switzerland, told the council that the global event opening in 16 days "will send a powerful message to the world of peace and solidarity", including gender equality and diversity.