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2016-06-29
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2019-10-29
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un-security-council

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  1. Settlement activities are in violation of international law, and the recent announcement by the Israeli Government that it will build a new settlement is deeply concerning. Japan is also concerned by the continuing violence. Various instruments, such as the Quartet report and most recently, resolution 2334 (2016), provide steps towards credible negotiations, which is the only way to achieve lasting peace. Japan calls upon both parties to take concrete steps to that end, and continues to support a two-State solution to accommodate the aspirations of both sides. The spread of terrorism and violent extremism is an issue that plagues the region. In Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya, the deterioration of governance, coupled with conflict and political turmoil, has benefited terrorist groups, further escalating tensions and exacerbating conflict.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  2. I thank the presidency for convening this debate and for preparing the concept note (S/2017/305, annex) before us. I would also like to thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. Today I will address the wider Middle East region, focusing on some of the challenges defining the present day Middle East. The Middle East peace process is one of the central issues shaping international relations in the region. The conflict between the Israeli and Palestinian sides feeds into wider regional dynamics and the opportunity cost has been immense. Peace there would unlock new political, economic, security and cultural opportunities, to the benefit of the region and beyond. To achieve peace, underlying issues of conflict, including settlement activities and violence, must be addressed. Japan's position has been clear and consistent.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  3. Japan, for its part, will continue to engage constructively in order to support the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement and alleviate the suffering of the Libyan people.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  4. The escalation of violence in Tripoli and the oil crescent is another cause of the political stalemate. The recent escalation in the southern region is of particular concern. It should be stressed that violence does not bring peace any closer. Japan urges the relevant parties to immediately stop acts of violence. Japan continues to support the Presidency Council and the Government of National Accord as the legitimate authority under the Libyan Political Agreement. The Agreement is the key instrument in moving the process forward, and its framework should be upheld. Japan encourages UNSMIL to make further efforts to facilitate the Libyan-led process to implement the Agreement, in accordance with its mediation and good- offices mandate under resolution 2323 (2016).

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  5. Japan is concerned about the deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Libya. This is the cost of the political stalemate. The international community cannot leave 1.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance suffering from unmet basic requirements such as medicine, water and food. To alleviate the suffering of the people, Japan will restart its economic assistance to Libya for the first time in three years. We will provide more than $4 million, including $1.4 million to the Stabilization Facility for Libya. We also encourage the financial institutions in Libya to redouble their efforts to tackle the issue of funding and liquidity, so that the necessary services can be provided to the people in need. The security situation remains precarious.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  6. In this regard, the agreement in principle between the House of Representatives and the High State Council to form a joint committee to work together to amend the Agreement by consensus is a noteworthy development. Japan believes that a Libyan-led process that ensures broad, inclusive and genuine consultations among the Libyan people is a prerequisite for achieving enduring peace. Japan looks forward to seeing the joint committee formed in that spirit. The Libyan Political Agreement has now been given another chance, and we must make the utmost effort to support the Libyan parties in setting the course for progress. In this regard, Japan appreciates the continued engagement of the relevant parties, including both regional and international parties.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  7. I would like to thank Mr. Martin Kobler for his briefing. Japan supports the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to promote peace and stability in Libya. I would like to thank also Olof Skoog for his briefing on the activities of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. More than a year has passed since the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement, and we have seen little progress. The political situation remains fluid, but there is an emerging trend, as we have heard today, namely, a broad consensus among the Libyans to amend certain elements of the Agreement.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  8. Under such circumstances, focusing on human rights aspects is essential to seeing the overall picture of a threat or conflict. It is the responsibility of the security Council to decide whether or not certain cases of human rights violations pose a threat to international peace and security, and, if so, to decide how the international community should respond.

    2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source

  9. With that in mind, Japan joined the appeal of 13 June 2016, entitled "To Put Human Rights at the Heart of Conflict Prevention", during the thirty-second session of the Human Rights Council, and we support the recommendation made therein to intensify the exchange between the two Councils. Most of the conflicts that we are facing today are not classical wars between sovereign States. Most of them are asymmetrical conflicts driven by non-State actors. In such cases, the risk that civilians will become victims of atrocities and atrocious attacks is significantly higher than in inter-State wars. Today, we are also facing cases where systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations have become essential components of political systems and, though not comprising active conflicts, such systems pose serious threats to regional stability.

    2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source

  10. In that regard, it is the obligation of the Security Council to make full use ofthe options that the Council possesses. Currently, more than half of the United Nations peacekeeping and political missions have human rights-related mandates. Since, regrettably, human rights abuses often occur in unstable contexts and they also become root causes of destabilization, certain situations compel us to integrate human rights components into peace operations. The Security Council could also utilize various mechanisms outside the Council, especially those of the Human Rights Council, in order to acquire sufficient information for making appropriate decisions related to preventing and ending conflict and atrocity.

    2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source

  11. At the same time, it undermines the sovereignty of the countries concerned and threatens the lives and safety of their citizens. Such deliberate human rights violations as a method to threaten international peace and security can also be seen in other places. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Boko Haram use human rights abuses - such as abduction, rape and human trafficking - as tactics of combat. Those examples remind us that the discussion of serious human rights violations falls within the mandate of the Security Council as long as they may affect international peace and security. Whether such a linkage exists in a particular case or not can also be discussed in the Council. Discussions mean nothing unless they lead to a positive change towards a stabilized world in which each person's human rights are protected.

    2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source

  12. The international community has seen many cases in the past, as in Rwanda and Bosnia, and today in Syria, where a dire human rights and humanitarian situation destabilizes the surrounding region. In too many cases, people face being abused or brutally killed because of their ethnicity or religious beliefs. The escalation of such attacks, retaliation and conflicts may even lead to war crimes or crimes against humanity. We have also seen the case of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, where authorities pursue the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles at the cost ofthe fundamental human needs and welfare of the people in its territory. In addition, with regard to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, its abduction of foreign nationals is a grave human rights violation.

    2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source

  13. I appreciate and commend the leadership of the United States in convening today's meeting. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his impactful remarks. The three pillars of the United Nations - peace and security, sustainable development and human rights - are not independent of each other. That is no less true with regard to the relationship between human rights and international peace and security. In fact, the Security Council has already been discussing and taking action on human rights in various regional situations, as well as on many cross-cutting issues. Therefore, we welcome the fact that the Security Council has rightly decided to have a briefing under this theme in order to foster a comprehensive discussion on the nexus between the two pillars.

    2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source

  14. Japan welcomes the opening of the investigation by the Fact-finding Mission to the Syrian Arab Republic of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and urges it to report its conclusion as soon as possible. The Syrian Government and all parties in Syria have the obligation under resolutions 2118 (2013) and 2235 (2015) to fully cooperate with the OPCW and the United Nations, including the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). In addressing the continuous allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, Japan believes that it is increasingly important to further improve coordination between the Fact- finding Mission, the JIM. and the Council so that the Council can react more swiftly to the alleged use of chemical weapons.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source

  15. Japan voted in favour of the draft resolution (S/2017/315) proposed by France, the United Kingdom and the United States. The reported use of chemical weapons in Khan Shaykhoun was an affront to humanity and a blatant Violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. Given the gravity of the situation, it is very important for the Council to express its determination to address this issue. It is truly regrettable that we have witnessed another instance of division in the Council despite the clear need to address the incident. What just happened here does not and must not affect the Council's determination concerning this matter. We must expeditiously determine whether chemical weapons were actually used, identify those who are responsible and hold them accountable.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source

  16. But what about the Security Council? We must prove that this institution is also serious about finding a solution to this crisis. Proof is long overdue.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  17. The second leg, the ceasefire, is starting to wobble with news about fighting. Japan supports efforts by the three guarantors of the Astana process, the only functioning ceasefire mechanism at the present time. We are also encouraged that Mr. De Mistura is extending support to Astana. The third leg, humanitarian access, seems to be very unstable. We need to see major improvements to send a clear message to the Syrian people that they have not been abandoned. The facts are clear. The International Syria Support Group is working despite some confrontations. United Nations mediation is making some progress. Humanitarian bodies are doing their utmost under difficult circumstances. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Joint Investigative Mechanism are ready to implement their mandates.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  18. For this reason, our attention turns again to the repeated warnings of the United Nations that bureaucratic impediments are the main obstacles to humanitarian access. We have repeatedly urged the Syrian Government, which bears primary responsibility for this obstructed access, to simplify procedures. Japan is deeply disappointed that even on occasions when the Syrian Government has responded, we have not seen any significant change. We will continue to engage closely with other relevant parties to improve access, but we cannot fully succeed without the cooperation of the Syrian Government. Last year, Mr. De Mistura often used the metaphor of a three-legged stool for Syria. The first leg, the political process, seems more steady after the recent Geneva talks, and we strongly support United Nations efforts there.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  19. The Council must reaffirm its determination to urgently address this alleged use of chemical weapons. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the humanitarian situation as a whole. Even with a monthly meeting on the humanitarian situation, it is important that we emphasize it here in the context of the political process as well. We were shocked by the use of chemical weapons; but we have also been shocked for many months by the enormous number of besieged people, now at 644,000 according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Japan's position is clear. We will continue our assistance to all Syrian people in need. This means not simply contributing funds, but taking the responsibility to ensure that aid reaches the people who need it.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  20. I thank the Special Envoy ofthe Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, for his extensive briefing, and commend his efforts to keep the political process moving forward. The first round of intra- Syrian talks in Geneva demonstrated the willingness of all sides to talk seriously with both the Government and opposition groups, undertaking discussions without a major pause or suspension. Mr. De Mistura described for us today that there has been discussion on key substantive issues while pointing out the need to move beyond the preparatory stages. Regrettably, the relatively positive news from Geneva is outweighed by grim news on the ground. The alleged use of chemical weapons last week is an affront to humanity and a blatant violation of Security Council resolutions.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  21. Once again, Japan urges the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact-finding Mission to expeditiously conduct an investigation and report its conclusion as soon as possible, so that the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism can conduct its own investigation in order to identify those who are responsible. In conclusion, Japan reiterates its position that there is no military solution for Syria. We must advance the political process based on resolution 2254 (2015).

    2017-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7919 (2017) · source

  22. I join others in expressing my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of today's attack in Stockholm. We stand in solidarity with the people of Sweden. Turning to Syria, the use of chemical weapons is not permissible under any circumstances. Three days ago, we faced another shocking report that many innocent civilians had become victims of chemical weapons in Syria. The act is extremely inhumane and violates the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Government of Japan supports the determination of the United States Government to never allow the spread or use of chemical weapons. We understand that the United States took the action last night in order to prevent further aggravation of the situation. The Council must reaffirm its determination to address the reported use of chemical weapons in Idlib.

    2017-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7919 (2017) · source

  23. We must use United Nations peacekeeping even more effectively so that this vital tool can continue to protect the most vulnerable while fitting into a broader framework for sustaining peace that is built on the pillars of peace and security, human rights and development. There are, naturally, many views on how this can best be accomplished. Japan hopes that today's briefing will mark the start of more in-depth Council discussions involving a wide range of stakeholders on each mission and mandate.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  24. As one means of making peacekeeping even more cost-effective, Japan proposes that we further explore coordinated initiatives to increase personnel capabilities across missions. Individual troop- contributing countries are responsible for ensuring high troop standards, but in many cases enhanced capacity through additional training can be beneficial. Triangular cooperation among the Secretariat, troop- contributing countries and a third country such as Japan can help ensure that peacekeepers are well prepared for the field. Standardizing this practice could be one way of guaranteeing that missions consistently receive the best personnel to complete their mandates.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  25. We often hear that shrinking mandates or troop levels can undermine peace and security if the timing is not right. But this cannot be an excuse for status quo mandate rollovers without serious consideration. We need deeper discussions in the Council to link political processes closely to mandates. We should also consider whether the timing of deployment is appropriate in the conflict spectrum. We must be prepared to constructively discuss peacekeeping exit strategies with an understanding of the context on the ground, including what would follow on from a premature withdrawal where political solutions are elusive. In doing so, the Council should explore enhanced coordination with the Peacebuilding Commission, which can play an important role in the transition from peacekeeping to post-conflict recovery.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  26. The Council has the primary responsibility to identify a mission's core objective and priorities through focused discussions. The clarity and effectiveness of mandates, and thus of peacekeeping itself, stem from the quality of such discussions. This requires us to methodically review and analyse information from the field, troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat. A recent good example is the extensive discussion on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between Council members and troop-contributing countries, which resulted in a clearer and better-prioritized mandate. We must assess whether the continued deployment ofa given peacekeeping operation fits the reality on the ground.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  27. To give just one example, an analysis carried out by the United States Government Accountability Office in 2006 found that the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti was costing less than half of what a United States operation of equal size and duration would have required. Our priority is not to simply scale back or downsize peacekeeping, but to ensure that it is effectively employed where it can make a difference with limited resources. In the process of reviewing operations, some improvements may take time. But one measure we can implement this very day is to hold more in-depth discussions in the Council on the mandates that we authorize. We tend to add on different capacities to missions in response to individual circumstances, but we must stop to reflect on this habit.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  28. I thank the presidency for its initiative in convening this briefing today. I also thank Secretary-General Guterres for his informative briefing. Japan is deeply committed to United Nations peacekeeping and is the third-largest contributor to its budget. We are eager to discuss how this vital tool for international peace and stability can deliver the greatest impact on the ground. Our goal in reviewing peacekeeping operations should be to ensure that peacekeeping achieves results consistently. It is thus our essential task to undertake serious, well-informed discussions to determine in concrete terms what we want each mission to deliver. Today's discussion must be put into context: while we should always seek to improve the efficiency of United Nations peacekeeping, overall it is a cost- effective tool.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  29. MINUSMA's mandate is multidimensional, and its strategic priority is supporting the signatory parties in implementing the agreement, particularly the provisions related to the restoration and extension of State authority. Political and institutional reforms are desperately needed, and all five interim authorities in the north must be effective in providing the people with tangible benefits. The time is right for the Council to seriously discuss howMINUSMA canbestbe positioned to support both the political and institution-building needs arising from the peace process. Japan looks forward to contributing actively to this difficult but necessary discussion.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source

  30. As we consider MINUSMA's future mandate, we should ask ourselves how the United Nations can better support the overriding goal of implementing the peace agreement. It has 20 chapters, with annexes, and its mutually reinforcing elements must be implemented in a balanced manner. We would like to emphasize the need for further progress in security-sector reform; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; cantonment; and the redeployment of the Malian defence and security forces. That is crucial to building confidence in the northern and central regions. Japan appreciates the initiative of the Group of Five for the Sahel to establish a new joint force, which represents African States' ownership of the effort to counter terrorism in the region. The Council should study its proposal closely to see how it would interact with MINUSMA.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source

  31. More than a year ago, the Council visited Mali and reiterated its call for concrete progress in implementing the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Unfortunately, most of the key observations that we made during our mission are still valid now - the slow implementation of the agreement; the lack of inclusiveness, especially of women and young people; the concerns about the lack of decentralization and the state of the interim authorities in the North; and the minimal progress in security sector reform and the extension of State authority. Since then, the security situation has worsened and become more complex, with continuous attacks by violent extremist and terrorist groups and intercommunal clashes erupting in central Mali.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source

  32. I would like to join you, Madam President, and others before me in expressing my deep condolences to the family of the victim and to the Government of France for their loss. We are pleased to welcome His Excellency Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Foreign Minister of Mali, to the Council. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Lacroix for his informative briefing and to welcome him to his new post. This is an important and challenging time for United Nations peacekeeping, and we look forward to working closely with him. I would like to assure him of our full support. As the current mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)enters its final months, the Council must correctly assess the severity of the situation we face in Mali. The picture is not good.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source

  33. We fully support the work of Special Representative Arnault, and particularly urge him to ensure the successful completion of the laying down of arms. It is important that this effort succeed in order to secure ustained peace in Colombia. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Japan's firm commitment to supporting Colombia's efforts towards peace.

    2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7916 (2017) · source

  34. We commend the efforts and firm commitment of all parties, which constitute the most important part of the peace process. Keeping in mind the result of the referendum held in October 2016, we hope that the overall success of these early stages will contribute to a firm national consensus towards the Peace Agreement. Secondly, it is important that the Council be united in its commitment to this issue. In that regard, the Security Council's visit next month will be an important opportunity to convey to the parties the Council's strong commitment to the peace process in Colombia and its support for the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. Thirdly, the presence and the role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General is vital in bridging gaps between the parties and in reducing mistrust.

    2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7916 (2017) · source

  35. First of all, I would like to welcome Ambassador Maria Emma Mejia Velez to the Chamber. Japan offers its deep condolences to the people of Colombia on the tragedy caused by the terrible landslide and flooding. As a nation that often suffers from such tragedies, we express our deep sympathy and solidarity with the people of Colombia. I thank Mr. Jean Arnault, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia, for his informative updates. Japan is very encouraged that under his leadership the United Nations Mission in Colombia is laying a solid foundation for a successful peace process. Japan appreciates his commitment and dedication. In reiterating Japan's full support to the people of Colombia, I will focus on three points today. First, we welcome the fact that the peace process is largely on track.

    2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7916 (2017) · source

  36. With that in mind, it is increasingly important to further improve the coordination between the two mechanisms and the Council so that we can react more swiftly to any alleged use of chemical weapons. If we are to dissuade potential actors from using them, it is crucial to show that any such use will be brought to light and that those responsible will be held accountable.

    2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7915 (2017) · source

  37. Taking measures to hold the perpetrators accountable is the final and indispensable step in fulfilling the Council's responsibility. Impunity is unacceptable. In that context, Japan welcomes the fact that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact-finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic has already begun gathering information. We urge the Syrian Government and all parties in Syria to cooperate fully with the Fact-finding Mission and the Mission itself to conclude its investigations, not only in connection with the Idlib incident, but also with other recent allegations as soon as possible, so that the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism can conduct its own investigation in order to identify those responsible.

    2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7915 (2017) · source

  38. I thank the United States presidency for convening this meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Kim Won-soo for his briefing. Japan is seriously concerned by continued reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, including most recently in Idlib, which reportedly led to the tragedy affecting more than 400 victims. The use of chemical weapons is not permissible and must be strongly condemned under any circumstances, and those who are responsible for their use must be identified and held accountable. I believe that there is unity inside the Security Council on those fundamental points. In addressing the new allegations in Syria, we must first determine whether chemical weapons were actually used, and, secondly, if confirmed, we must identify those who are responsible.

    2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7915 (2017) · source

  39. Japan reaffirms its full support for MONUSCO and for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Maman Sidikou.

    2017-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7910 (2017) · source

  40. First, through this resolution the security Council reaffirms its strong support for the implementation of the 31st December 2016 political agreement, mediated by by the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo. Japan calls on President Kabila and all Congolese political actors to swiftly implement the agreement and accelerate preparations for elections, to be held by the end of this year. That is the only viable way to consolidate and sustain peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secondly, Japan values the fact that the Security Council has reaffirmed its commitment to making the Mission more efficient by authorizing a clearer and more prioritized mandate for MONUSCO in line with the Secretary-General's efforts.

    2017-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7910 (2017) · source

  41. At the outset, let me join previous speakers in expressing condolences to the families of the two brave and dedicated members of the Group of Experts - Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan - killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The parties responsible for their deaths must be held accountable. Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2348 (2017). I would like to thank France for taking the lead in preparing the resolution. Japanese is pleased to have co-sponsored it. Our common goal is to stabilize the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and achieve a progressive exit of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Let me underscore two points in that regard.

    2017-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7910 (2017) · source

  42. Notwithstanding our recent decision to end the activities of the Self-Defence Force engineering unit, Japan remains unwavering in its commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan. Japan will support efforts towards an inclusive national dialogue and work with the parties concerned for the smooth and effective operation of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, including the early deployment of a regional protection force. Japan will also continue to provide development cooperation and humanitarian assistance to those in need, thereby contributing to nation-building in South Sudan.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7906 (2017) · source

  43. Other parties should also renounce violence and cooperate in that national endeavour. Japan takes note of some signs of progress on the deployment of a regional protection force, including regional countries' reaffirmation of their commitment to participating in the force, and by the visits by troop- contributing countries' reconnaissance teams and enablers to South Sudan. But there are still challenges to be resolved regarding the force's full deployment. We need further progress on land provision and airport coordination in order to ensure that it can function effectively. We again call on the Government to fully cooperate with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, including with regard to the regional protection force.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7906 (2017) · source

  44. We also appreciate the strong involvement of both President Konare and President Mogae, and we support their call for South Sudan to make the national dialogue as inclusive, free and transparent as possible. The Council should continue to be united in supporting those engagements and efforts. As part of the efforts to promote inclusivity and reconciliation, Japan is considering providing support to grass-roots peace initiatives through the United Nations Development Programme. The successful holding of a national day of prayer on 10 March with broad participation was a step in the right direction. The onus is now on President Kiir and the Government. We strongly urge President Kiir to build on that spirit in pursuit of a genuine and inclusive national dialogue process.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7906 (2017) · source

  45. Japan calls on President Kiir to honour his previous commitments and take immediate action on the ground, including through improved humanitarian access at the local level and by working to bring about a cessation of hostilities. The primary responsibility to protect civilians rests with the Government of South Sudan. We urge that concrete progress on that front be made. There is no alternative to a political process aimed at achieving genuine peace. Japan reiterates its full support for the collective commitment and close coordination on South Sudan demonstrated by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations in their joint statement in January. Japan welcomes the Secretary- General's ongoing engagement at this critical time.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7906 (2017) · source

  46. In addition to the $22.4 million in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance announced in January, Japan decided last week to contribute an additional $6 million in response to the Secretary-General's call for international support to address the famine. For international assistance to be effective it must reach those in need. To that end, safe and unhindered access is essential. We are troubled by the many reports of restrictions on humanitarian access, including on work permits, that only increase the suffering of innocent people. Worse still, aid providers continue to be targeted in such incidents as the tragic killing by unknown gunmen on 14 March of personnel from the International Organization for Migration.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7906 (2017) · source

  47. I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely briefing. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Secretary-General, to Mr. Mogae, the Chair of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission for South Sudan, and to Ms. Sunday for their very informative briefings. Japan remains deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities and the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, which has been exacerbated by famine. Many lives are at stake. The members of the Security Council and international partners must continue to extend lifesaving support to the innocent people of South Sudan.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7906 (2017) · source

  48. Japan hopes that the political leaders demonstrate strong leadership and cooperation on resource- and revenue-sharing mechanisms that will serve as a backbone of the Somali economy. Finally, the first reported hijacking of a large commercial vessel offthe coast of Somalia in five years has reminded us of the need for continued international counter-piracy efforts in the region. Japan will continue its warning and surveillance activities and escort operations while also supporting social services and economic development in the coastal regions, in close cooperation, naturally, with the Somali Government and the international community.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source

  49. Improvements in the country's long-term security also depend on strengthening the capacity of the Somali police forces, including via salary support, institution-building and the provision of basic social services. Japan has contributed more than $400 million since 2007 in these areas and will continue to support Government efforts. Macroeconomic improvements are critically important for achieving sustained peace and prosperity. Japan has long given priority to this area and welcomes the successful conclusion of the regular consultations by the International Monetary Fund last month. Sustained efforts in implementing measures to improve the fiscal framework, raise tax revenues and conduct structural reforms are key.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source

  50. While international donors have mobilized abundant resources over the years, there has been insufficient progress in building a representative and effective Somali National Army. Among the reasons are minimal integration of clan-based militias and a lack of coordination among donor communities. We welcome the initiative by the United Kingdom to host the London conference on Somalia in May and commend President Farmajo and the Secretary- General for co-hosting the conference. That will be a perfect opportunity to address these problems and use limited international resources in a more coordinated manner. In particular, we hope the meeting will provide momentum for agreement among political leaders from each State on a national security framework, with a clear demarcation of the responsibilities between the Federal Government and states.

    2017-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7905 (2017) · source