YouSaid · the spoken record

Ishikane Kimihiro

lines on the record: 203
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2021-10-19
sittings or episodes: 39
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

“Japan takes this opportunity to reiterate its support for UNRWA’s work on the ground, including its generations-long efforts in the education sector. Japan encourages the international community, particularly the countries of the region, to provide funding for the Agency. Furthermore, Japan has been taking the lead in two important initiatives — the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity and the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development — with the aim of supporting political dialogue among the parties concerned, Palestinian State-building efforts and confidence-building between the two sides. Let me conclude by expressing Japan’s determination to spare no effort to achieve a two-State solution.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“Japan calls upon all parties to halt all activities that could hinder progress towards the realization of a two-State solution and reiterates that such a solution cannot be achieved through violence, but only through negotiations and mutual trust. Japan is committed to continuing to support the people of Palestine so long as humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges remain in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. Japan has extended grant aid totalling $23 million to Palestine since June, as well as $40.9 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) this year. Japan thanks the United States for its full re-engagement with, and support for, Palestine, including its hefty financial contribution to UNRWA.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“Although humanitarian needs in Gaza remain unmet, Japan appreciates the fact that the ceasefire has been sustained and that there have been positive developments, such as the smoother delivery of humanitarian goods and movement of people. Efforts by Egypt and others to facilitate talks between Palestine and Israel and among parties in Palestine, as well as recent high-level contacts between Israeli and Palestinian officials, are all encouraging. On the other hand, the situation on the ground remains worrisome. Settlement activities, the destruction of homes and Palestinians expulsions by Israeli authorities in the West Bank, as well as acts of violence at demonstrations, continue. Such acts jeopardize efforts to build trust among the parties and could lead to re-escalation.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting a two-State solution based on all relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi visited Palestine and Israel in August to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to this issue, even under the ongoing coronavirus disease crisis. In meetings with his counterparts, he urged both sides to take concrete measures to ease tensions and restore trust, while stressing the importance of improving the situation through peaceful means. Tensions in Gaza have decreased since the ceasefire was declared. Humanitarian and reconstruction efforts are ongoing, with logistical and financial support from neighbouring countries and donors.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“The Council could engage with and seek advice from the Commission more actively to ensure coherent system-wide efforts in support of inclusive State-building. Japan has long supported State-building with a diversity and inclusion lens in Africa. The seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development in 2019 was a milestone, as Japan introduced the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa, which emphasizes the importance of supporting African countries to address the root causes of conflict and drivers of fragility. Japan is looking forward to furthering the discussion on State-building towards the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, to be held in Tunisia next year.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/868 (2021) · source
“Third, we must promote partnerships among diverse actors at the international, regional and national levels in order to help countries benefit from the integrated, coordinated and coherent approaches of a wide range of partners in their State- building endeavours. In order to address effectively these three points, the Security Council should take full advantage of the significant potential the Peacebuilding Commission has in ensuring better coordination among different actors within the United Nations and in strengthening partnerships beyond the United Nations system. Inclusive State - building is a long-term process and encompasses the interlinkages between peace and security, development and humanitarian issues, and human rights. This is exactly where the Peacebuilding Commission has a comparative advantage.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/868 (2021) · source
“They will contribute to mitigating the root causes of conflict and help to prevent violent extremism and terrorism. It is particularly important to build effective and impartial security and judicial institutions to fully realize the rule of law and fight against impunity. It is equally important to build systems in the social sector to ensure equal access for all identity groups to basic services, including education and health. In addition, the capacity-building of personnel to properly manage and utilize institutions should also be emphasized as an indispensable element of institution - building.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/868 (2021) · source
“Decision-making processes encompassing traditionally excluded identity groups, such as ethnic minorities, women, youth and other marginalized groups, ensure that the needs of all segments of society are taken into account. This, in turn, enhances the legitimacy of the decision taken and public trust in the Government, which are prerequisites for just and peaceful societies. By contrast, history has repeatedly shown that the exclusion of certain identity groups in decision-making can lead to social unrest and, eventually, to violent conflict. Second, building inclusive and fair institutions at national and local levels is critical. Institutions that equally benefit all without discrimination are the best safeguard against political, security and socioeconomic challenges.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/868 (2021) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, for convening this open debate. Today’s open debate gives us a unique opportunity to highlight how diversity and inclusion are an essential component of effective State-building and a precondition for sustaining peace. It also provides a good opportunity to reflect on what we have learned from the ongoing human security crisis, exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has worsened tensions between identity groups and disproportionately affected vulnerable people, including women and girls. Today, I would like to make three points on diversity and State-building. First, it is fundamental to ensure inclusive decision-making that respects diversity at the national, subnational and local levels.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/868 (2021) · source
“Climate-related risks go beyond borders, and therefore regional cooperation is indispensable. Japan has promoted such regional cooperation through the Japan-Caribbean Community framework and the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM). At PALM 9, co-chaired by the Prime Ministers of Japan and Tuvalu in July 2021, leaders affirmed their commitment to cooperating closely in strengthening resilience against disasters. In June 2021, Japan announced that it would provide climate finance, both public and private, totalling approximately $60 billion over the next five years from 2021 to 2025 and that it would further enhance its assistance for adaptation. In closing, Japan believes that the United Nations is the primary player for deepening international cooperation for action against climate-related risks.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/815 (2021) · source
“Japan has been supporting the efforts of African countries to strengthen climate resilience through the processes of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). We support projects for sustainable forest management, integrated water resource management and measures to fight desertification and enhance agricultural productivity under the African Initiative for Combating Desertification to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, launched at TICAD VI in Nairobi in 2016. In addition, Japan supports the African countries’ efforts at institution-building under the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa, launched at TICAD VII in Yokohama in 2019, in order to overcome vulnerabilities while addressing the root causes of conflicts.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/815 (2021) · source
“It is vital that the international community focus on people when analysing the impacts of climate change on conflict. By placing people at the centre of our response to climate-related security risks, it becomes evident that United Nations system should break silos and respond in a comprehensive and seamless manner, building on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Japan remains steadfast in addressing climate change and contributing to maintaining international peace and security. In such efforts, Japan places great importance on carrying out immediate actions to enhance resilience to the negative impacts of climate change and to build institutional capacities to strengthen the national ownership of countries facing climate-related challenges.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/815 (2021) · source
“However, whether or not the Security Council, the principal organ in that area, can effectively engage in efforts to mitigate climate change or adapt to its negative impacts is another issue. Beyond raising public awareness about the climate-related risks of violent conflict, is there a clear role the Security Council could and should play? Should the issue of climate-related security risks be dealt with separately from other drivers of conflict, including various socioeconomic root causes, in the context of peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention or mediation? The answers to those questions need thorough consideration. But one thing is clear: climate change is linked to violent conflict through its impact on human security; that is to say, on the survival, livelihoods and dignity of people.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/815 (2021) · source
“While the victims of hurricanes, torrential rains, and heat waves are everywhere, the most devastating and widespread impacts on human security are imposed on the most vulnerable people and communities. The linkage between climate change and conflict is certainly indirect. However, there is no doubt that human insecurity, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, becomes a multiplier of risk, not only in terms of humanitarian crises but also peace and security, particularly in conflict-prone areas. Japan therefore joins Ireland in recognizing climate change as a vector that increases the risk of violent conflict. As we place people at the centre of our security paradigm, climate change is undoubtedly one of the priority issues for the maintenance of peace and security.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/815 (2021) · source
“I welcome today’s open debate on climate and security organized by the Irish presidency during the high-level week of the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session, less than 40 days before the opening of the long-awaited twenty-sixth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow. I also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. Climate change has multidimensional negative impacts on the survival, livelihoods and dignity of peoples. Water scarcity, drought, desertification, land degradation and food insecurity are affecting people severely in the Sahel and other arid regions. Sea-level rise and the erosion of coastlines pose an existential threat to small island developing States (SIDS) and their people.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/815 (2021) · source
“Afghanistan, with the help of the international community, has made significant progress over the past two decades, in particular with the development of infrastructure, the promotion of education, and increased participation of women and youth in the public domain. It is to the benefit of the people of Afghanistan to preserve and promote those gains. As a long-standing partner of Afghanistan, Japan reaffirms its commitment to addressing the country’s immediate humanitarian needs as well as supporting its long- term path to peace and prosperity. As we watch the evolving situation and the actions of the Taliban, Japan will continue to actively engage all stakeholders to explore the best possible way to assist the country and its people.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/785 (2021) · source
“While we await the restoration and strengthening of governance, we will have to focus on delivering aid to people and communities on the ground by all means. Under the current circumstances, the United Nations is one of the few entities that can deliver assistance on the ground. Now, the United Nations system is being tested as to whether it can deliver as one under the concept of human security, and Member States need to be united in supporting the Organization’s efforts. In this regard, Japan believes that the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan will remain critical, while recognizing the need for the Security Council to review its mandate in due course.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/785 (2021) · source
“In the light of the growing need for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, Japan is ready to offer total assistance of around $200 million this year, including $65 million in new assistance in such areas as shelter, health, water and sanitation, food, agriculture and education through international organizations. Japan will continue its efforts to help achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan in coordination with the concerned countries. The people of Afghanistan must be at the centre as the international community helps the country address both its immediate humanitarian needs and mid- to long- term challenges of stability and socioeconomic development. An approach based on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus is essential.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/785 (2021) · source
“Second, to safeguard and advance basic human rights, in particular the rights of women. Third, to pursue nation-building that upholds an inclusive political process where diverse ethnic and religious groups are included. If these are put into practice under the new administration, Afghanistan will be able to regain the trust of the international community, resulting in the return of the people, funds and support needed to rebuild the country. In the midst of continued tensions in Afghanistan, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi visited several Middle Eastern countries and concurred with each country on the need to work together to prevent the current situation in Afghanistan from becoming a further destabilizing factor.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/785 (2021) · source
“In this light, it is with strong pain and regret that we continue to witness further suffering and loss of life among the people of Afghanistan. Japan stresses the need for the international community to speak with one voice in sending a clear and united message to Afghanistan. Japan underlines the need to maximize our leverage to ensure the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2593 (2021). Japan will continue to urge the Taliban to ensure the safe passage and departure of those who still wish to leave Afghanistan. At the same time, Japan will be persistent in calling on the Taliban to ensure the following three points. First, to protect the lives and property of all Afghans, regardless of ethnicity or religious sect, and restore social order.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/785 (2021) · source
“I thank the President for convening this debate on Afghanistan. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Deborah Lyons, for her briefing and her leadership at a time when the support of the United Nations for the people of Afghanistan is most needed. Afghanistan is a country that holds the key to peace and stability in the region and the world. Japan hopes that true peace and prosperity will come to Afghanistan, which is blessed with natural resources and young and talented people. Japan reiterates its strong belief that a sustainable peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved by a political settlement that reflects the voices of all segments of society. Japan has supported all efforts to this end while urging all parties concerned to cease acts of violence.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/785 (2021) · source
“This would require the full support not only of relevant United Nations agencies, funds and programmes but also of regional organizations and bilateral donors. Japan has been supporting conflict prevention efforts by the African Union and subregional organizations in Africa through the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa, launched at the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development in 2019, by providing assistance for the capacity-building of police officers, public prosecutors, judges, etc. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, Japan worked with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and others to train more than 20,000 active police personnel of the Congolese National Police. We stand ready to continue to play our part.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/783 (2021) · source
“The Council could make better use of the Commission’s advisory role and convening power of a wide range of stakeholders to mobilize every available tool in support of effective transition. Projects implemented by United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, in particular those funded by the Peacebuilding Fund, should serve the needs for transition which require many actors for a single purpose: a United Nations mission’s successful departure. Japan appreciates the role of the Fund, which aims to direct 35 per cent of its investments to the projects that support transitions. Third, Japan reiterates the importance of institution-building. The ultimate goal of any transition process is to leave the host country with the institutional and human capacity to sustainably manage its own affairs.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/783 (2021) · source
“First, joint assessments of the needs on the ground by the mission and the United Nations country team at an early stage are critical for a smooth transition, al lowing United Nations country team members to identify in advance the mission’s residual challenges and the areas in need of consolidation that they will be tasked to address subsequently. An analysis based on up-to-date information from the United Nations country team should allow the mission to draw up early, flexible and integrated planning that responds to the changing conditions on the ground. Second, at the headquarters level, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission should work closely together.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/783 (2021) · source
“As we experience more reconfiguration and drawdown of United Nations peacekeeping operations in recent years, it has become increasingly important to focus our attention on transitions, one of the most complex undertakings for the whole United Nations system. Japan has consistently stressed the importance of providing seamless and comprehensive support to conflict-affected countries, including in the areas of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction. The nexus between the peace, humanitarian, human rights and development operations of the United Nations is the key to realizing a successful transition towards self-sustained peace. On these bases, I would like to touch upon three concrete points which would facilitate effective transitions.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/783 (2021) · source
“For instance, the Triangular Partnership Programme provides a systematized arrangement to make this matching easier, and it has helped Japan to make timely and relevant contributions to missions and personnel. In closing, Japan believes these and other efforts will help the United Nations incorporate technology into its missions in a way that will allow technological innovation to become a true strategic enabler. We stand ready to continue our efforts in this regard.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/732 (2021) · source
“With this, the United Nations will plan pilot projects of applying telemedicine in certain missions on the ground, which will provide technological solutions to save the lives of peacekeepers deployed in remote places. It is expected that through this project, the United Nations will identify the telemedicine capabilities needed in other missions, which will lead to a broader adoption of tele-technology in the future. To have such contributions and reduce capacity gaps in the use of technology, we would like to urge partnerships among the United Nations, Member States and troop- and police-contributing countries to be further enhanced.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/732 (2021) · source
“As technology is more often deployed to the field, female and male peacekeepers must have equal opportunities to gain necessary skills. Part of Japan’s grants directly support the women's outreach course, in which 177 female military and police officers from 57 countries have participated. Assistance to mission application of technology (telemedicine project) Besides training and capacity-building for peacekeepers, it is also critical to help the missions adopt new technologies, particularly in relation to preserving the lives and safety of personnel. Responding rapidly to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, Japan offered grants of $1.5 million for a telemedicine project by the United Nations Secretariat.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/732 (2021) · source
“Training and capacity-building of peacekeepers (United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations) Japan has been a committed supporter of the United Nations C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations since it was founded in 2015 with the aim of providing standardized, mission-specific training. Japan has contributed approximately $4.3 million of voluntary budget to the Academy in total to date, thus strengthening communications within missions. Peacekeepers have diverse backgrounds, and when the United Nations procures and incorporates a certain technology into peacekeeping, it is critical that all peacekeepers are capable of applying it in the field. Standardized training is therefore fundamental. Gender considerations must also be reflected in training and capacity-building.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/732 (2021) · source
“Also, all stakeholders are responsible to ensure that the technology will be applied in accordance with relevant rules and policies such as the United Nations rules and regulations, international law, and laws and regulations of the host country. The use of technology should take a human- centric approach and the dignity of individuals should always be respected. Illicit transfer or theft of technology and technology-related information should not be allowed. Therefore, critical is Member States’ assistance to capacity-building of peacekeepers to be deployed and of missions in maximizing the enabling potential of technology. Today, as a firm believer of training and capacity-building’s possibilities to enhance peacekeeping’s performance as a whole, I would like to showcase two examples of Japan's good practices.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/732 (2021) · source
“I thank the President for convening this important open debate. United Nations peacekeeping retains a significant role in maintaining international peace and stability. Today, peacekeepers are deployed in many challenging environments, and Japan believes it is paramount for all stakeholders, including troop- and police-contributing countries, Member States, the United Nations Secretariat and host countries, to ensure their safety and help them implement their mandates more effectively and efficiently. Here, modern technology must play a role in enhancing their capabilities. Simply providing technology to missions or to those in need will not alone be sufficient to make the most of its benefits.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/732 (2021) · source
“Lastly, all maritime disputes need to be peacefully resolved in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including through final decisions of international courts or tribunals. We need to be reminded once again that the award of the arbitral tribunal related to the South China Sea is final and legally binding. In concluding, allow me to reiterate Japan’s firm belief that the oceans must be free, open and secure, on the basis of the rule of law. Japan is committed to promoting international cooperation in its immediate region and beyond and is ready to further contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security at sea.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“Unilateral attempts by force or coercion to change the status quo and complicate or negatively affect maritime security and safety should be strongly opposed. Let me highlight a few points in this context for the attention of the Council. First, a maritime order, which serves as a basis for maritime security, should be predictable for all Member States and, therefore, should be based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is also referred to as “the constitution of the oceans”. Second, given the universality and comprehensiveness of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, all maritime rights and claims must be based on its relevant provisions. It is also critical to respect the fundamental principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including freedom of navigation and overflight.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“Japan’s fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing also includes keen support to developing countries. Japan welcomes the recent establishment of the Group of Friends of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, whose stated objectives include the “peaceful settlement of maritime disputes based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea”. This exemplifies the widely shared recognition of the critical importance of the rule of law at sea. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is indeed key to preventing and addressing threats to international peace and security concerning the maritime domain and needs to be fully upheld, regardless of the size of a nation.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“In the area of maritime crime, one of the notable initiatives that Japan proposed is the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia and its Information Sharing Centre, which have proven to be useful tools in tackling piracy and sea robbery in Asia. Capacity-building is essential in promoting the safety and security of the maritime domain. Japan is proud to have provided vessels and equipment to countries in need in the Asian region and beyond and to have sent out its experts around the globe, including to the Global Maritime Crime Programme of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Our efforts extend to supporting the law enforcement and justice sectors in countries such as those off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“I would like to welcome India’s initiative in convening this historic Security Council meeting to discuss the issue of maritime security for the first time. This open debate is an important and necessary reminder to the Council of how crucial it is to maintain international peace and security at sea. As an island nation, Japan is committed to a free, open and secure maritime space, which provides an essential basis for the beneficial and peaceful uses of the oceans for everyone. With this conviction, Japan has strived to contribute to maritime security in close cooperation with our fellow Member States.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“At the same time, from a human security perspective, Japan deems it equally important to empower children by providing every child equal opportunity to fully develop their human potential. To serve longer-term peacebuilding objectives, we should spare no effort to improve learning environments and ensure access to safe and quality education. Japan will continue to work closely with other Member States, the United Nations system, international humanitarian organizations and civil society organizations in this endeavour.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“In February, Japan contributed about $4 million to UNICEF to provide quality learning for 135,000 children in Yemen, where their access to education continues to be jeopardized due to prolonged conflict. This contribution will also support 3,000 teachers in delivering quality education. Japan also decided in February to contribute $9 million to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in building or rehabilitating 6 elementary and middle schools in Gaza to provide more classrooms and better education facilities, including mental healthcare, to match increasing student enrolment. Child protection is critical under conflict situations.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“In February, Japan committed a $6.6 million contribution to the United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, to urgently protect the people affected by the situation in Tigray region, Ethiopia. Through this assistance, 624,000 children and 267,000 pregnant and lactating women will receive nutritional support. This assistance will also enable essential healthcare facilities to be repaired and 50,000 internally displaced persons and children to receive medical support including mental healthcare. In addition, in December, Japan decided to extend $3.3 million assistance for refugees in Sudan who had entered from the Tigray region. Japan is also committed to safeguarding children’s right to education and echoes the urgent need to protect schools from attacks and to ensure access to safe and quality education. No child should be left behind.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“Japan urges all parties to armed conflict to fully comply with their obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian law and implement all Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated children’s vulnerability to violence and abuses in conflict settings. Child protection responses must not be ceased or hampered. Safe, timely and unimpeded humanitarian access to children in need is a matter of high priority, as recognized in Resolutions 2532 and 2565. The Council must use its influence to the fullest extent to implement an immediate global ceasefire and facilitate the implementation of the relevant Security Co uncil resolutions, including resolution 2286 (2016) on healthcare in armed conflict. Japan is committed to protecting children affected by conflict.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Estonia for convening this important meeting. I thank the also Secretary-General and his Special Representative for the report on children and armed conflict. This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Japan highly values the efforts and achievements made to date in protecting children affected by armed conflict, particularly by the United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions as well as UNICEF and other agencies on the ground. It is regrettable, however, that children in armed conflict continue to experience grave and large scale violations of their most basic rights. In conflict affected areas, girls are facing particular risks of abduction and sexual violence.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“Japan has already provided $135 million this year to address the negative impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other humanitarian and development needs of the Afghan people. We are ready to consider additional support, depending on the progress in the peace process and the adherence of the Afghan Government to the Afghanistan Partnership Framework.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Japan reiterates that a sustainable political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan requires the strong commitment and cooperation of neighbouring and regional countries, which must be well-coordinated and harmonized with broader international efforts to support Afghan stakeholders. To this end, we encourage Ms. Lyons and Mr. Arnault, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues, to strengthen their efforts to effectively coordinate international and regional support for the peace process. As a longstanding partner of Afghanistan, Japan remains fully committed to supporting Afghanistan throughout and beyond the peace process.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Nevertheless, it is also understandable that the people of Afghanistan harbour anxiety over uncertainty during and after the departure of international forces. At this critical transition period, therefore, it is essential that the international community send a clear message to the people of Afghanistan that it remains committed to supporting them in the years to come as we have done over the past two decades. It is also critical for the international community to stand firm against unabated violence and terrorism, particularly those targeting and involving civilians. Japan condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent terrorist attacks targeting innocent civilians including schoolgirls, aid workers and journalists. We continue to urge all concerned parties to stop the violence immediately and enact a comprehensive ceasefire.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Japan highly appreciates the convening of this high-level debate on Afghanistan at a time when the country is in need of the solidarity of the international community more than ever. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Deborah Lyons, for her briefing and her dedicated efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. Japan strongly believes that a sustainable peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved by a political settlement that reflects the voices of all segments of society, including women, youth and minority groups. Japan continues to support the Government of Afghanistan and other key stakeholders in their efforts to advance an inclusive peace process. It is our understanding that the decision to withdraw all international forces was made to facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Japan is currently running for election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2023–2024 term and, if elected, will make further contributions to the improvement of the Council’s working methods in cooperation with all Member States.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“Japan is of the view that, in pursuing reforms of the working methods, it is important to strike the right balance between the dual needs for transparency and efficiency. To strengthen the legitimacy of the decisions of the Council, the decision - making process should be as transparent as possible, allowing it to take into account different views from both inside and outside the Council. On the other hand, we should be mindful of our prime objective, which is to enhance the Council’s capacity to take the best action in the most efficient and timely manner in order to maintain and restore international peace and security. We believe that this applies not only to regular Council meetings but also to virtual meetings.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“In addition, while the video format of the open debate has facilitated high-level participation by Council members, the situation whereby non-Council members are only allowed to submit written statements hampers the voices of non-Council members being heard in a timely manner. The tools developed to cope with the various constraints imposed by the pandemic could serve to keep the Council operating under a similar situation in the future; for example, the shutdown of the United Nations premises due to heavy snowfall. Therefore, serious consideration should be given to the possibility of introducing new rules in the Council’s working methods in order to be better prepared for any contingency.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“Necessity is the mother of invention. It is commendable that the Security Council has been able to carry out its work without interruption in this time of crisis, by making full use of digital technology with a challenging spirit. Innovative working methods have been developed, including videoconferences, voting procedures and the provisional programme of work, as well as arrangements for the compilation and circulation of statements submitted for open videoconference debates. On the other hand, there is room for improvement. For example, requiring consensus to adopt agenda items for videoconferences hinders the Council’s capacity to deal flexibly with impending issues, and we see no reason why different rules for agenda-setting should be applied to videoconferences.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Estonian presidency and to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, for organizing this open debate on improving the working methods of the Security Council, to which Japan has always been deeply committed. Japan also appreciates the tireless work of current and recent Council members on the development of the body’s working methods. Japan is pleased to see that the Council is beginning to normalize its activities as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation improves. Japan would like to reiterate its respect and gratitude to the successive presidencies of the Council since March 2020 for their efforts to continue the work of the Council under the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic.”
2021-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/572 (2021) · source