YouSaid · the spoken record

Bessho

lines on the record: 853
first: 2016-06-29
most recent: 2019-10-29
sittings or episodes: 176
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Abduction committed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea undermines the sovereignty of the countries concerned and casts fear over the lives and safety of their citizens. At the same time, the issue is a grave human rights violation as abductees' invaluable futures have been stolen and their bonds with their families have been severed. Even now in the harsh situation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, many abductees are being deprived of freedom and are awaiting rescue. As abductees and their families grow older, the issue can avoid no further delay. Regrettably, there is no indication that the authorities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have moved to improve the human rights situation on the ground. Therefore, the efforts of the international community to ensure accountability are needed.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“Addressing the root causes of the threat to international peace and security falls undoubtedly within the mandate of the Security Council. The abduction of foreign nationals by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a case where human rights violations and threats to international peace and security clearly overlap. As the report of the commission of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea states: "Since 1950, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has engaged in the systematic abduction, denial of repatriation and subsequent enforced disappearance of persons from other countries on a large scale and as a matter of State policy." (A/HRC/25/63, para. 64) Hundreds of nationals from the Republic of Korea, Japan and other countries have been abducted and disappeared.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“The authorities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should respect and ensure the welfare and inherent dignity of their citizens. That message was conveyed in resolution 2321 (2016), which the Council adopted unanimously on 30 November. The same concern was also expressed in the Third Committee's draft resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic ofKorea (A/C.3/7l/L.23), which was adopted by consensus in October. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights pointed out in his briefing last year, and as has been confirmed by the briefers today, there is a clear linkage between human rights violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the instability of the region.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“The Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted two nuclear tests and launched more than 20 ballistic missiles this year, despite the fact that three-quarters of its population are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance and that the total humanitarian funding requirement of the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations reaches $145 million. Even as the people in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea suffer from great unmet needs, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea authorities pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles at the sacrifice of the fundamental human rights and welfare of their own people. Japan, along with every other Security Council member, condemns the current state of affairs.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Jan Eliasson for his forceful remarks. I am also grateful for the clear and thorough briefing by Mr. Andrew Gilmour, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The report of the commission of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea of February 2014 (A/HRC/25/63) sheds light on the critical human rights situation on the ground. Regrettably, there has been no sign that the situation has improved since the report was released. Under such circumstances, today, the Security Council has rightly decided to have a briefing under the agenda "The situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" for the third consecutive year.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“Given the fact that there has been no tangible improvement in the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea since the publication of the 2014 report of the commission of inquiry (A/HRC/25/63), and given the destabilizing impact on the region and the maintenance of international peace and security of the human rights violations perpetrated by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea authorities, the reasons for the Council to hold a meeting on the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea persist. We therefore support the adoption of the agenda.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“I shall say more following the adoption of the agenda, but wish to make a brief statement before we vote on the adoption of the agenda itself. In December 2014 and again in December 2015, under the agenda item "The situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea", the Security Council held meetings on the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which focused on its widespread and systematic human rights violations.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“The Security Council must take action and should not be viewed as incapable of responding to a humanitarian crisis of such magnitude. I heard with keen interest what Special Envoy De Mistura had to say. He affirmed his view that military logic is prevailing on both sides. I agree with the Special Envoy that a stable and durable solution, one that ensures non-recurrence of terrorist threats, cannot be achieved through military means. We must be persistent in seeking a negotiated settlement. Special Envoy De Mistura told us that, when he meets the Council on 8 December, he would like to explain some options that exist. I look forward to listening to him. In the meantime, we must deal with the urgent humanitarian crisis. We must unite to uphold the strategy and take action.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7822 (2016) · source
“But the severe shortage of food rations, health essentials and other lifesaving supplies in eastern Aleppo is posing a grave threat to the population as winter approaches. We have repeatedly called on the relevant States to exert the strongest possible influence on the fighting parties. We must do absolutely everything possible to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, so as to protect civilians and medical personnel, undertake urgent medical evacuations and rehabilitate medical services. Japan reiterates its support for the co-penholders - Egypt, New Zealand and Spain - in their efforts to arrive at a draft resolution. We also support the initiative to unify the voice of the international community in the General Assembly.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7822 (2016) · source
“I would like to express my gratitude to Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, Under- Secretary-General Stephen O'Brien and UNICEF Regional Director Geert Cappelaere. Less than ten days ago, at the monthly briefing here in the Chamber on the humanitarian situation in Syria (see S/PV.7817), I said that our meetings must not simply be venues for expressing our concern about the devastating circumstances, but rather we must take action and achieve concrete results. Unfortunately, the Security Council has not achieved concrete results since that time. Today the briefers described the disastrous results of the escalation of the recent fighting in Aleppo. Japan commends all humanitarian workers for their invaluable, courageous efforts to seek every opportunity to ensure protection and access.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7822 (2016) · source
“In other words, international efforts have not kept pace with North Korea's capacity to evade sanctions or its determination to continue nuclear development. Now is precisely the time for the international community to rigorously implement the resolution we have just adoptedand send the strong, unified message that North Korea cannot afford to continue its current policy. Japan will continue to work very closely with the members of the Council and all States Members of the United Nations to reach a comprehensive solution to the problems related to North Korea.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7821 (2016) · source
“It is significant that heightened attention has been paid in today's resolution to the nexus between people's unmet needs and the continuation of nuclear and missile development. We welcome the stronger emphasis on the deplorable humanitarian conditions in North Korea, including the abduction issue, to which Japan attaches utmost importance. Unfortunately, we have heard some sceptical voices in the process of implementing resolution 2270 (2016), suggesting that nuclear and missile development has not stopped even after the adoption of that resolution, and that resolution 2270 (2016) is not as effective as it should be. I believe that this view confuses cause and effect, and that the degree to which the measures outlined in resolution 2270 (2016) were unsuccessful was in fact the result of those sceptical voices.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7821 (2016) · source
“Resolution 2270 (2016), adopted in March, was already very robust and comprehensive. However, some of the livelihood exemptions for the people of North Korea contained in the resolution have been misused. The resolution adopted today closes such gaps and introduces new additional measures. Drastic coal import limitations, additional sectoral bans to cut revenues and other measures should all have a significant impact on North Korean nuclear and missile development programmes. At the same time, I emphasize that these sanctions are not meant to target ordinary North Korean citizens. It should not be forgotten that North Korea's nuclear and missile development continues at the expense of the welfare of the people of North Korea.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7821 (2016) · source
“Japan, together with the international community, strongly condemns once again the repeated violations of Security Council resolutions by North Korea. We urge North Korea to fully comply with the relevant resolutions, including today's, and to abide by its other international commitments and obligations. Today's resolution does not impose sanctions for the sake of sanctions. It is a tool to correct North Korea's course of action. It is a sincere call from the international community to North Korea, urging it to abandon its nuclear ambitions and return to the negotiating table. We are always ready to resume dialogue if North Korea shows a sincere commitment and takes concrete steps towards denuclearization. In order for North Korea to change its attitude, we have no other option but to continue to increase pressure.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7821 (2016) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General for his presence here and for the very strong statement that he made. Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2321 (2016). We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the United States for taking the lead, and our appreciation also goes to all other members of the Security Council for their support. Japan is pleased to have contributed throughout the process. The fact that this robust resolution was passed unanimously deserves attention. We have attained a great number of sponsoring countries from outside the Security Council as well. Now not only Council members but all States Members of the United Nations share a common responsibility to fully implement the resolution.”
2016-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7821 (2016) · source
“I believe that it is important for the Security Council to pay attention to this topic, which might not otherwise receive the attention it deserves. I therefore wish to commend Senegal for taking the initiative to raise this complex but important cross-cutting theme. Japan will continue to support countries in improving their water governance and access as a building block for sustaining peace and security.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“By enabling people to share in the peace dividend, the population now has greater confidence in the reconstruction efforts, which thereby contributes to social stability. From the legal perspective, Japan has led discussions on the International Law Commission (ILC) draft articles on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers, which provides a valuable platform for countries to establish agreements for the proper management of their aquifer systems. This year, Japan worked as the coordinator of the draft resolution on the ILC draft articles, which was adopted in the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly this month. Water is essential to every aspect of human life. That is only natural, given that almost 70 per cent of the human body is water. Humankind should be wise enough to use water as a source of cooperation, not of conflict.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“In relation to the briefing by Mr. Turk, Chair of the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace, Japan, as a troop-contributing country to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan, has built roads to improve access to water resources and has also directly provided water to the people of Juba in South Sudan. As one of the main providers of water to the local population, the presence of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in South Sudan is undoubtedly significant. In that regard, Japan wishes to work closely with the ICRC to improve access to water in that country. In the Sudan, Japan has supported post-conflict reconstruction and recovery efforts through a multisectoral approach focused on water provision and capacity-building in agriculture, health and rural governance.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“In the 2013 UNESCO report it is striking to see that of all of the water-related events between nations, 1,705 events were cooperative ones, while 759 were conflict-related, with 44 acute disputes involving violence. As the Secretary-General and the President of the Council noted today, when managed properly, water resources can be a unifying force rather than a cause of conflict. As such, it is only natural that the Security Council should pay attention to this topic. Japan believes that improving water access, developing water management and governance capabilities and establishing international rules for water usage will help stabilize societies and de-escalate underlying tensions between States. I would like to share some of Japan's efforts on that front. Improved access to water can help alleviate insecurity among people.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“In the face of conflict, we must ensure access to water for those affected in order to prevent humanitarian crises. I would like to recall here that under international humanitarian law, in particular article 54 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and article 14 of the Additional Protocol II to the same conventions, it is prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including drinking-water installations and supplies. The Security Council should remain vigilant about potential humanitarian threats posed by the lack of access to water in conflict situations.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“There are 276 international water basins around the world, and, historically, disputes on the usage or distribution of the shared water resource have destabilized the relations among States, sometimes leading to violence. A 2013 report in the UNESCO quarterly journal A World of Science noted that there were 44 examples of acute disputes involving violence over water between 1948 and 2008, including over the Jordan, Indus and Nile Rivers. Moreover, more recent cases serve to highlight the fact that water-related infrastructure can be subject to attacks by parties to a conflict. Examples of that include the attacks on a water-treatment plant in Aleppo and the attacks on a desalination plant and wastewater treatment plants in Gaza . On a different note, the protection of water in conflict situations poses a challenge.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate, and I also thank the briefers for their insightful statements. The topic of today's meeting has great significance to Japan, a country where water has played a vital role throughout its history. On a positive note, sound and peaceful water resource management, including the development of watercourse networks from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries, helped to form a basis for the peaceful development of modern Japanese society. The sound development and use of water resources are crucial to achieving peace and prosperity. However, the importance of water has often invited disputes among States.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“This monthly meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria must not simply be a venue for us to express our deep concern about civilians and medical personnel who are facing devastating situations. We need to take action and achieve concrete results. There is no time to spare. I look forward to a constructive discussion in the informal consultations that are to follow.”
2016-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7817 (2016) · source
“Today's briefing described a truly devastating situation and made it absolutely clear that Syria's medical sector is in huge and imminent need of major rehabilitation. We are shocked by the sheer number of medical facilities that have been attacked in 2016. Japan reiterates its position that the parties to the armed conflict have the obligation to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and violators of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. The Permanent representative of the United States has just mentioned specific names. If the lack of clarity on the attackers is making it difficult to take measures to effectively protect medical facilities, the Security Council should request a Secretariat investigation and other necessary measures.”
2016-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7817 (2016) · source
“However, the situation is now so severe that not a single convoy has achieved access to Aleppo. I have one simple question: If those States that have influence, especially ISSG members, exert the utmost influence on the parties on the ground, might we be able to overcome some of the impediments to humanitarian access? Ifnot, what can be done to ensure that the necessary actions are achieved on the ground? That is a question that needs to be answered. I am sure I speak for all ofmy colleagues when I say that the Security Council was grateful to receive such an extensive briefing from Ms. Hoff, who is following the situation in Damascus closely. We highly commend WHO efforts in delivering lifesaving treatments to the Syrian people and strengthening health services, including measures to counter children's diseases.”
2016-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7817 (2016) · source
“We are also aware of efforts by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) co-Chairs and regional stakeholders after the Lausanne meeting in October. However, what we need now are actual improvements on the ground. We need an agreement either from the Security Council or the ISSG that will truly change the situation in Syria. Mr. O'Brien's briefing presented us with a picture of the desperate situation in Syria. Even during the pause in aerial attacks by the Syrian Government and Russia, the United Nations could not deliver any assistance to the people of eastern Aleppo. As Mr. O'Brien explained, even single attempts at humanitarian access face countless obstacles on the ground. Today is not the first time that we have heard that discouraging story.”
2016-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7817 (2016) · source
“I would like to express my gratitude to Under-Secretary-General Stephen O'Brien for his comprehensive briefing. I also thank Ms. Elizabeth Hoff, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Syria, for accepting Japan's proposal to make a briefing to the Security Council at such short notice, and through her I thank the dedicated personnel of the WHO, who have been working hard in such a difficult environment. The humanitarian situation in Syria is devastating. Over the course of the weekend, we continued to hear news of the terrible attacks and casualties in Aleppo and elsewhere. Frustration is building over the inability to address the humanitarian crisis, but we must not abandon our efforts. We appreciate that some members of the Security Council have taken the initiative to advance discussions on the humanitarian situation.”
2016-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7817 (2016) · source
“As we considerhow to strengthenUnitedNations-AU cooperation, we should focus on Agenda 2063's call for economic and human development, conflict prevention and institutions. The Tokyo International Conference on African Development also complements United Nations-AU cooperation and is based on the principles of African ownership and international partnership. More than anything, the United Nations-AU partnership is about empowering African States, societies and people to play an active role in creating a safer and more prosperous future. Japan looks forward to supporting continued collaboration that employs the comparative advantages of each organization in pursuit of our common goal.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“The AU has a comparative advantage in its contextual knowledge and mediation abilities in support of political solutions, including through the Panel of the Wise. Japan strongly believes in political solutions and has supported AU mediation efforts and good offices since 1996. Strengthened United Nations-AU partnerships in conflict management and peacebuilding will be key success factors in creating more effective peace operations and more sustainable peace in the long term. Ultimately, it is Africa's socioeconomic development that will lead to sustainable peace and the AU's self-reliance. The AU Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development reminds us that security and development are closely linked.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“Not only the United Nations Secretariat but also States Members of the United Nations themselves should respond to this progress by engaging in discussions on financial issues, as expressed in the draft resolution (S/2016/977) to be voted on later. In discussing peacekeeping, we should recall that the true aim of the United Nations-AU partnership is sustaining peace. Strengthened peace operations are an important tool to that end, but not our final goal. I believe this is the essence of the AU aspiration to "silence the guns by 2020, through enhanced dialogue-centred conflict prevention and resolution". And as the Council recognized through its presidential statement S/PRST/2016/12, adopted under the Japanese presidency in July, we believe that peacebuilding is the key.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. Minister, for convening and presiding over today's important meeting. I also thank Mr. Wane, Mr. Menkerios, Mr. Antonio and Mr. Kaberuka for their briefings. Cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) on peace and security has evolved markedly in recent years. Indeed, the international challenges we face today demand that our organizations develop an ever-closer strategic partnership. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the annual joint consultative meeting between the United Nations Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council. Our dialogue and partnership will only continue to grow. We are encouraged by AU commitments to make the AU more self-reliant, including via financial arrangements on peace-support operations through the African Peace Fund.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“Japan will continue to contribute to South Sudan's peace and security going forward. Finally, on behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to express special thanks to Ms. Ellen Laj for her very hard and dedicated work on the ground in an extremely difficult environment.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“We hope to see further consultations on the matter between the United Nations and the AU, including clarification as to how the proposed force's mandate would be differentiated from that of the UNMISS Regional Protection Force. Japan, as an UNMISS troop-contributing country, attaches great importance to creating an environment in which effective activities can be safely undertaken. In that regard, we call on the Transitional Government of National Unity to cooperate further and more seriously with the United Nations. It is Japan's sincere hope that South Sudan will achieve peace and stability and make strides on the path to development. Japan, as a friend of South Sudan, has supported the country and has dispatched an engineering unit to UNMISS since the independence of the country.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“We highly commend the Secretariat for its efforts, in consultation with the AU and IGAD, to devise a comprehensive political strategy aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities and at bringing the parties back to an inclusive political process. In that regard, we recognize the importance of the engagement of AU High Representative Konare. We welcome the suggestion to expand UNMISS patrols around the protection of civilians sites and to enhance cooperation with humanitarian actors. Increasing UNMISS interaction with communities and local authorities is also important. Having carefully listened to the remarks by Mr. Dieng, we are deeply concerned about rising ethnic tensions in the country. In that vein, the proposal by the AU Commission to establish an over-the-horizon force to respond to possible mass atrocities caught our attention.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“Whatever action is taken, our ultimate goal should be to advance the political process. While the will of the parties is of paramount importance, the engagement of neighbouring countries is the key factor. The decision by Kenya to withdraw its contingent only further highlights the importance of the role of South Sudan's neighbours. Many points from the special report (S/2016/951) on the review of the mandate of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) are useful in that regard. It is indispensable that the United Nations coordinate with the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the key players supporting the political process, so as to more effectively facilitate the development of the political process.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“I appreciate the opportunity to speak about this pressing matter. I would like to thank Ms. Ellen Laj, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, and Mr. Adama Dieng, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, for their detailed briefings. I listened to both briefings carefully and with great concern. Japan recognizes that, while Juba is relatively calm at this moment, the security situation in South Sudan as a whole is very tense, with frequent armed clashes and killings ofcivilians. We cannot be optimistic about how things will unfold and should continue to closely monitor the security situation in the country. As many speakers before me have noted, the question now is how the Security Council can improve the situation. Our credibility is on the line.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“Monchotte for providing us with interesting statistics on the improvements and a list of the remaining challenges. I would like to ask Mr. Monchotte if he could describe, in concrete terms, some examples of successes and lessons learned from addressing challenges he has faced on the ground with regard to police capacity-building.”
2016-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7808 (2016) · source
“Work to strengthen the capacity of the national police contributed to UNMIT's successful closure at the end of 2012. I believe MINUSTAH has the potential to be another successful example in that area. While challenges remain, MINUSTAH has successfully supported the Haitian National Police in a number of areas centred on capacity and the rule of law. Progress has been made through community violence-reduction programmes, improved criminal justice procedures, security sector reform, joint patrols, community policing and the development of the 2017-2021 strategic plan. Police capacity-building efforts like these can play a major role in enabling United Nations peacekeeping operations to draw down and eventually withdraw. On that note, I would like to thank Mr.”
2016-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7808 (2016) · source
“I believe that one of our long-term priorities should be to help build and reform the police and law enforcement institutions of host nations, although that may not always be the top priority in all cases in the short-term as pointed out by one of the briefers. That process will enable such institutions to play a sustained role in maintaining peace and security, including after the withdrawal of the peace operations. The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor- Leste (UNMIT) was a particularly solid example of the successful deployment of civilian police exploits. National police commanders identified the greatest improvements in administrative support areas such as project management, training, development and maintenance of databases, human resources and finance.”
2016-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7808 (2016) · source
“Today's briefings remind us of the complex and diverse mandates being undertaken by United Nations police components, including protecting civilians, creating amenable conditions for humanitarian assistance, supporting peace processes, restructuring and reforming the security sector and promoting the rule of law and human rights. Today, I would like to focus on national police capacity-building, in line with the presentation given by Mr. Monchotte, the MINUSTAH Police Commissioner, but I also listened with interest to references to the capacity-building of local police forces, which includes a gender focus, provided by the Police Commissioner of UNAMID.”
2016-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7808 (2016) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Mr. Ladsous and the Police Commissioners of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for sharing their experiences with us. I also express my heartfelt appreciation to all peacekeepers for their contribution in the face of severe challenges on the ground.”
2016-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7808 (2016) · source
“In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all field personnel serving in United Nations peace operations and offer my deepest condolences to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifices in their lines of duty.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Japan, together with the international community, will continue to support institution-building in such sectors as security, the judiciary and border control. Furthermore, improved exchange of information among the relevant institutions, including counter- terrorism institutions, could lead to reduced risks for peacekeepers. We believe that efforts, when combined, could contribute significantly to the containment of asymmetrical attacks. The efforts I have described fit into Japan's policy of seeking to contribute more proactively to international peace, in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Japan will continue to be a strong partner of United Nations peacekeeping operations through our personnel on the ground and our support for capacity-building.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Even more important is the capacity-building of the countries suffering from internal conflicts. As Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida pointed out in the July open debate (see S/PV.7750), the training of domestic police forces is necessary to eradicate violence and terror. In complex environments with asymmetrical threats, peace is not achieved solely through peacekeeping operations or their military components. In that understanding, Japan has provided training for more than 20,000 police officers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the past 12 years, in collaboration with the police forces of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“It should take into account the capacity of national security forces and the presence and capacity of other international forces complementing the national security forces, in parallel to the United Nations mandated mission. In the light of asymmetric threats, enhancing the capacity ofpeacekeepers becomes more important than ever. Insufficient capacity not only undermines the ability to implement peacekeeping missions' mandates, but can also expose them to great risks. Communications is an area where capacity could be improved. We are currently supporting the United Nations Signals Academy in Uganda in order to provide peacekeepers with communications training that will enable them to better gather and share essential information, which is necessary for their own security and the effective implementation of their mandates.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Japan strongly hopes that those measures will bring tangible results in improving the Mission's security and its capacity to implement its mandate on the ground. Japan concurs with the view expressed in the Secretary-General's report that United Nations peace operations are not an appropriate tool for military counter-terrorism operations (see S/2015/446). The question, then, is how can we best enable missions to implement their mandates in complex environments where asymmetric threats exist? Certainly, the Security Council should give a sufficiently robust mandate to peacekeeping missions enabling them to ensure the security of their personnel. Beyond that, however, how robust a mission's mandate should be for the protection of civilians against asymmetric threats will have to be studied on a case-by-case basis.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“One such mission is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), where troops have been a target of attacks by terrorist groups. Japan co-sponsored resolution 2295 (2016), which requested MINUSMA to move to a more proactive and robust posture in carrying out its mandate. Furthermore, the resolution prioritized the protection of civilians and the stabilization of areas where civilians are at risk, including against asymmetric threats. That includes improved intelligence capacities, training and equipment to counter explosive devices, secured logistical supply routes and improved medical evacuation procedures. The resolution also clarifies the Mission's mandate with a View to ensuring the security of personnel.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you, Sir, for convening an open debate on the timely topic of peace operations facing asymmetric threats. I would also like to thank the briefers for their insightful briefings. United Nations peacekeeping operations are a key pillar in the maintenance of international peace and security. As a member of the troop-contributors committee, Japan contributes personnel, as do many other Member States. The expectations for United Nations peacekeeping are high, and its roles and responsibilities have expanded and diversified over the years. In that context, asymmetric threats have become one of its major challenges. Asymmetric threats in the form of physical attacks against peacekeepers make the implementation of peacekeeping mandates far more difficult for a number of peacekeeping missions.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“While adopting a resolution is our basic and traditional measure for ensuring implementation, one potential route is for the President of the Security Council to present our unified message at the beginning of the negotiations when they commence. We are now at a critical juncture for Yemen's future and I would like to request Special Envoy Ould Cheikh Ahmed to redouble his efforts. We strongly encourage convening a new round of negotiations. In addition, the Special Envoy's direct communication with key stakeholders, including President Hadi, Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi and Ali Abdullah Saleh, is crucial to push the political process forward. I would appreciate hearing from Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed about the results of meetings with these figures at our next briefing. Japan will continue to support Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed's efforts.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source
“The parties should undertake good- faith negotiations under the mediation of the United Nations to reach an agreement. Now that Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed has presented the road map, there may be a chance to advance the political process. What then should the Council's next step be? I believe that the answer is to send a strong, unified message to the parties. First, we, the Security Council, must call on the parties to resume negotiations immediately, to respect the cessation of hostilities and to allow and facilitate unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access. The group of 18 and some States Members of the United Nations have influence on the parties, but the Council must also play a proactive role. Equally importantly, we must ensure that the negotiations bear fruit.”
2016-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7797 (2016) · source