YouSaid · the spoken record

Iriya

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28
first
2023-11-16
most recent
2023-12-30
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6
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un-security-council

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  1. As stated by the overwhelming majority of the members of the General Assembly, Russia’s aggression is a clear violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. As we have repeatedly made ourselves clear, including during the Security Council meeting yesterday (see S/PV.9523), Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine until the day when a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine that upholds all the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter is realized. Once again, we urge Russia to withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. Japan has been standing, and will continue to stand, in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as long as it takes.

    2023-12-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9524 (2023) · source

  2. I thank you, Mr. President, for coordinating to convene this meeting. I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing. We recall that indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilian populations constitute a war crime. We condemn all violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights and call upon all parties to strictly abide by international humanitarian law. We underline that there can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. The international community must hold those responsible accountable in accordance with international law. We should not lose sight of why on Earth we are gathering here today. This situation would not have happened in the first place if Russia had not started its illegal aggression against Ukraine.

    2023-12-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9524 (2023) · source

  3. The use of white phosphorus against civilians raises serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law and should be investigated. In conclusion, as this is the last meeting in which the United Arab Emirates is participating on this subject during its membership, I would like to once again stress the importance of achieving progress on the chemical weapons file in Syria and on all files related to resolving the Syrian crisis.

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  4. The threat of chemical terrorism by Da’esh poses a serious risk to the security and stability of the region, a concern supported by the recent report of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Lastly, we express our deep concern over reports of Israel’s use of white phosphorus as an incendiary weapon in Gaza and Lebanon. That weapon is internationally prohibited by the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, adopted in 1980 in Geneva. White phosphorus exposes civilians to the risk of critical and long-term injuries.

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  5. That decision will not contribute to the resolution of the outstanding issues and will have consequences on the already deteriorated humanitarian situation in Syria, especially in terms of the prohibition of chemicals and dual-use equipment essential for medical, pharmaceutical and other peaceful purposes. That approach will also hinder progress made by the organization and Syria in restoring confidence and finding a common practical formula. Thirdly, as we mentioned previously, the threats of chemical terrorism cannot be overlooked, especially as Da’esh continues to launch its attacks in Syria.

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  6. In the context of today’s discussion, I will focus in my statement on the following points. First, my country welcomes the convening of the twenty-fifth round of consultations in Damascus, along with the ongoing discussions between the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and Syria on all outstanding matters. Maintaining dialogue between the two sides remains crucial to making progress on that file. Secondly, it is critical to uphold the technical nature and the consensus principle of the OPCW to ensure that files are not politicized. We underscore that the recent decision adopted during the twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention is unprecedented.

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  7. Japan reiterates our strong support for the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat in their efforts to hold the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons accountable. We continue to urge the Syrian Government to declare and eliminate its entire chemical weapons programme to prevent the recurrence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Japan believes the Council should remain regularly seized of this matter. Ms. Alameri (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I thank Mr. Adedeji Ebo for his briefing today. I would like to reiterate the United Arab Emirates’ firm position that explicitly rejects and condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. Their use constitutes a flagrant violation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention and international law.

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  8. We take note of the outcome of the recent twenty- fifth round of consultations between the OPCW Declaration Assessment Team and the Syrian National Authority, which was finally held in Damascus after more than two and half years since the last round of consultations. Syria must continue its engagement and cooperation in good faith with the OPCW Technical Secretariat to resolve all outstanding issues. In particular, we are seriously concerned about the newly reported presence of undeclared chemical warfare agents, which were found at two sites in Syria during the limited in-country activities conducted in April. The Syrian Arab Republic must address this concerning issue as a matter of priority.

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  9. The use of chemical weapons by Syria remains a clear threat to international peace and security. We are gravely concerned about the continuing discrepancies, gaps and inconsistencies in Syria’s initial and subsequent declarations, as once again confirmed by the latest monthly report by the Director-General of OPCW (see S/2023/926). On 30 November, in The Hague, the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention made its position clear by deciding that the continued possession and use of chemical weapons by Syria and its failure to destroy all of its undeclared chemical weapons and production facilities have caused serious damage to the object and purpose of the Convention. Syria must return to full compliance with its obligations undertheChemicalWeaponsConventionand resolution 2118 (2013).

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  10. First, I would like to thank Ecuador for convening today’s briefing, as the Council has failed to discuss this important file since our last discussions in September (see S/PV.9411). My appreciation also goes to the Deputy to the High Representative, Mr. Ebo, for his briefing. The use of chemical weapons should never be tolerated anywhere, at any time, by anyone, under any circumstance. It is our shared responsibility to hold accountable those who have used chemical weapons and bring justice to the victims. No Council member should provide shelter to those responsible for committing brutal and inhumane acts against their own people. Japan commends the professional, impartial and independent work conducted by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). We strongly oppose any attempts to undermine their invaluable work.

    2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source

  11. Thirdly, in supporting such efforts, the international community must adopt a holistic approach based on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, incorporating the entire United Nations system, as well as international financial institutions, regional organizations and civil society. Japan has long provided support to countries in the region, notably to countries that are generously hosting large numbers of displaced people, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Chad. Japan reaffirms its continued support in their endeavour to tackle the many challenges and pursue peace and stability.

    2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source

  12. To attain sustainable peace and security, Governments must be able to provide basic services for their citizens and earn the trust and respect of the population. In order to do so, solid and resilient institutions supported by empowered human capital and strong communities are needed. Communities with high levels of trust can collectively face up to the threats of insecurity, radicalization and environmental change. Secondly, all endeavours must be inclusive and must heed the voices of women, youth and marginalized groups. People must feel that they are the agents of change in their societies. Without that, no Government, institutions or communities can gain trust.

    2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source

  13. The Central African region continues to face a dire humanitarian situation that is being further exacerbated by the adverse effects of climate change, such as food insecurity, forced displacement and conflicts between farmers and herders. Japan commends the efforts of countries and subregional organizations to address issues of climate and peace and security. We further welcome UNOCA’s continued engagement with the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States on the development of a conflict- sensitive regional strategy for climate change and resilient development. Now, with regard to tackling the region’s multilayered challenges, I want to highlight three points. The first is the centrality of good governance based on the rule of law.

    2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source

  14. On the political front, we note two key events that will take place in the region later this month — Chad’s constitutional referendum, to be held on 17 December, a milestone in the transition to civilian rule, and the general elections scheduled for 20 December in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is vital that both be conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, transparent and inclusive manner. On the security front, we remain deeply concerned about the continued violence in north-western and south- western Cameroon and deplore the targeting of civilians and the attacks on schools and hospitals. We call on the Government of Cameroon to engage constructively regarding reconstruction and development in those areas, based on the 2019 Major National Dialogue.

    2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source

  15. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abarry for his briefing. As the region continues to face multifaceted challenges, including persistent threats of terrorism and conflict and the fragility of political systems, the good-offices role of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) is essential to upholding fundamental values and strengthening the capacity of subregional organizations for conflict prevention, mediation and the consolidation of peace. In that regard, we appreciated UNOCA’s mediation efforts following the military takeover of power in Gabon earlier this year and welcomed the Gabonese authorities’ subsequent announcement of a road map for a democratic transition and presidential elections tentatively scheduled for August 2025.

    2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source

  16. That is why we are repeatedly calling on Russia to withdraw immediately and unconditionally. Our steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine’s fight for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity will never waver. We are taking additional steps to support Ukrainians in their pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that will uphold all the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and the prohibition of the use of force.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source

  17. We join the deep regret expressed by the Secretary- General with regard to the decision by Russia on 2 November to promulgate and put into force a law to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). We reiterate that Japan deeply deplores that decision as it goes against the international community’s long-standing efforts towards the entry into force and universalization of the Treaty. As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during war, Japan is strongly committed to international efforts towards realizing a world without nuclear weapons. Bringing the CTBT into force is exactly for that purpose, and it must be achieved without further delay. Ukraine is the country defending itself against an unprovoked aggression, which is a serious violation of the Charter of the United Nations.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source

  18. They not only exacerbate the situation in Ukraine, but also severely undermine the non-proliferation regime, which we all must value and uphold. In addition, we are deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear or ballistic missile-related technology to North Korea, which would further threaten the peace and stability of the region, as well as across the globe. We call on North Korea and Russia to abide by their obligations under all relevant Security Council resolutions and immediately cease all activities that violate them. Threats by Russia of nuclear weapon use, let alone any use of nuclear weapons by Russia in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine, are inadmissible.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source

  19. We would like to emphasize that the transaction in violation of Security Council resolutions and the necessary support for Ukraine are two completely different things. No support should be given to a State that is violating international law and the Charter of the United Nations. It would be particularly unacceptable if support were rendered in violation of existing Security Council resolutions. All Member States should refrain from supporting Russia’s aggression either directly or indirectly. In that regard, as indicated in the joint statement of 26 October by the Foreign Ministers of Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States of America, arms transfers from North Korea to Russia, several of which we have confirmed have been completed and which directly violate relevant Security Council resolutions, are absolutely unacceptable.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source

  20. I thank the Deputy to the High Representative of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Adedeji Ebo, and the other briefer for their briefings. Russia has repeatedly requested Security Council meetings on the same topic in an attempt to distract the world’s attention from the undeniable fact that it is Russia that started the unprovoked war of aggression. Russia should be concerned about what its own weapons are doing in Ukraine before worrisome about international support for Ukraine to respond to Russia’s aggression. Russia itself, the aggressor, should know very well why the international community is supporting Ukraine in the first place, including through the provision of arms. That is to assist Ukraine in exercising its right of self-defence from aggression.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source

  21. Finally, the forthcoming elections represent an opportunity to win the people’s confidence and build unity that must be taken advantage of. Strengthening social cohesion is fundamental to sustainable stability, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo therefore needs free, fair, inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections more than ever. The reports of election-related violence, as well as a reduction in the civic and political space, are worrisome signs, and all stakeholders should work to put a stop to them. Japan remains committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we are determined to continue working with MONUSCO and all partners for sustainable peace and stability in the region.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source

  22. Ensuring the adequate protection of civilians must always be front and centre in our collective endeavours. In that regard, the timely deployment of national security forces, synchronized with the planned withdrawal of MONUSCO troops, is essential to preventing any security vacuum on the ground. Furthermore, the protection of United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment must be ensured throughout the withdrawal process. We remain deeply concerned about the high number of human rights violations, including sexual violence. The ongoing whole-of-United-Nations-system efforts to help build State-owned early-warning and response systems within communities should be further promoted to create an environment conducive to MONUSCO’s sustainable withdrawal.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source

  23. All Congolese and foreign armed groups should unconditionally lay down their arms and engage in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process. Community-based reintegration efforts through dialogue, along with employment opportunities, are key to increased participation in the DDR process, which Japan also supports through the United Nations Office for Project Services and the United Nations Development Programme. We welcome the initiative of MONUSCO and the International Organization for Migration in that regard. My second point is about MONUSCO’s planned exit strategy. A gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal requires close and constructive cooperation among all stakeholders, guided by strong ownership on the part of the host country.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source

  24. We are gravely concerned about the worsening security situation and the deterioration of human security in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The violation of the ceasefire agreement between the Mouvement du 23 mars and the Congolese armed forces is having far-reaching, devastating effects on people’s lives. The reported newly created coalition of armed groups fighting in support of the Congolese armed forces has further compounded the hostilities and the violence, triggering a massive flow of internally displaced persons. I want to stress once again that support of any kind to armed groups only exacerbates insecurity and regional tensions and must cease immediately.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source

  25. I would like to express my gratitude to Special Representative of the Secretary- General Keita and Ms. Lusamba, National Coordinator of Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral, for their briefings. I welcome the participation of the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is going through a significant transition with formidable challenges. With the general election imminent and the start of the withdrawal of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in sight, I would like to highlight three points today, starting with security.

    2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source

  26. The Security Council should work more closely with the relevant international and regional actors to ensure the coherence of all efforts to realize a ceasefire. Japan takes note of the Secretary-General’s intention to conduct a strategic review of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan. While Japan’s support for the Mission is unchanged, we recognize the need for the United Nations and the Mission to adapt to the complex situation on the ground. Japan calls on the Sudan, the host country, to fully cooperate with the United Nations in that regard. We look forward to receiving the results of the review in January 2024, as the Secretary-General mentioned, so that the Security Council can discuss how the United Nations can best contribute to peace and security in the Sudan and the region.

    2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source

  27. An influx of displaced persons could pose a risk to neighbouring countries that generously host refugees despite their own challenges. To pressure the parties to stop fighting, it is imperative that the international community unite and speak with one voice. In that regard, Japan welcomes the recent resumption of the Jeddah talks, which have led to the Statement of Commitments, and thanks the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, among others, for their efforts to bringing both parties to the negotiating table. The parties must abide by the commitment to ensure safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

    2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source

  28. I thank Assistant Secretary- General Pobee for her briefing. Let me begin my statement by reiterating Japan’s strong call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to stop fighting immediately, allow unhindered humanitarian access, return to a peaceful and inclusive political process and uphold international humanitarian law, including by ensuring the safety of civilians. We are seriously concerned about warnings of the potential for the expansion of current clashes into a full-blown civil war. Japan is deeply disturbed by the dire humanitarian situation in the Sudan. Reports of ethnically motivated attacks and sexual- and gender-based violence are alarming. We are also concerned about the outbreak of infectious diseases given the dysfunctional health care system and lack of humanitarian access to the affected areas.

    2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source