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

1. “To conclude, I wish to emphasize that the United Nations must play a leading role in furthering international cooperation for robust action against all aspects of climate-related risks. Japan will be an active partner in this endeavour.”

   2021-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/198 (2021) · source

2. “Secondly, on institution-building, where national and local institutions are too weak to protect civilian populations, environmental degradation could become a driver of instability. Institutions and systems to deliver assistance and services to those in need would in turn strengthen people’s trust towards the Government and contribute to sustaining peace. The African continent bears severe impacts of climate change and is not always well prepared to manage and respond to climate-related risks to international peace S/2021/198 S/2021/198 and security. Japan will continue supporting the efforts of African countries to build institutions under the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa, launched at TICAD VII in 2019.”

   2021-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/198 (2021) · source

3. “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, held in Nairobi in 2016, Japan supports projects for sustainable forest management and integrated water-resource management, as well as measures to fight desertification and enhance agricultural productivity. On climate finance, Japan has allocated about 50 per cent of its climate- related bilateral grant assistance to adaptation. Japan’s commitment to providing public and private climate finance to developing countries amounting to ¥1.3 trillion (approximately $11.8 billion) in 2020 is envisaged to be fulfilled.”

   2021-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/198 (2021) · source

4. “First, on adaptation to cope with climate-related disasters, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 serves as the most effective instrument to build communities’ resilience. Japan has been supporting the efforts of small island developing States through the Japan-Caribbean Community framework and the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM). The ninth PALM is to be held this year. Furthermore, to cope with climate-related land degradation in Africa, Japan has been supporting the efforts of African countries to strengthen climate resilience through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process.”

   2021-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/198 (2021) · source

5. “We must focus on people when analysing the impact of climate change on conflicts by paying close attention to the burden imposed on all segments of society, including women, youth and marginalized people. In short, our response must be people-centred, context-specific and comprehensive. Adverse effects of climate change, ranging from heat waves and droughts to torrential rain and sea-level rise, are severely impacting people in the Sahel and posing existential threats to small island developing States. Faced with these and other serious consequences, ambitious measures for global decarbonization are required. Japan aims to realize net zero by 2050. We will announce an ambitious 2030 target by COP26. In the context of peace and security, however, the immediate actions required are those related to adaptation and institution-building.”

   2021-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/198 (2021) · source

6. “I welcome this open debate on climate and security, chaired by His Excellency Mr. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as a significant step on the way towards the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26). I thank the Secretary-General for his remarks. Let me begin by sharing Japan’s view on the linkage between climate change and conflict. Climate change has serious impacts, albeit indirectly, on peace and security. Climate-related natural disasters and environmental degradation are multipliers for existing risks, which exacerbate fragility, leading to conflict. In Japan’s view, however, it is crucial to look at climate change and fragility through a human-security lens.”

   2021-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/198 (2021) · source

7. “Vaccination campaigns can be effective only when conducted under a transparent, accountable and inclusive system that fully involves local communities. Beyond the imminent fight against COVID-19, such institution-building efforts are critical to be better prepared for future pandemics, and also to nurture people’s trust in their Government, which could potentially contribute to building and sustaining peace. The three issues I raised are not specific to the effort of ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. They are indeed common challenges in delivering humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable people living under conflict. Moreover, they are not specific to the mandate of the Security Council, but require joint action with humanitarian and development stakeholders in the United Nations system and beyond. Nexus is key.”

   2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source

8. “Most recently, the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, announced that Japan would increase its contribution to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment to a total of $200 million. Based on the concept of human security, Japan is convinced that no one’s health should be left behind in the global efforts to achieve universal health coverage, and Japan calls on others to join. Thirdly, with regard to transparency, from the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, transparent and timely dissemination of scientific facts and data has been essential, not only in containing the spread of the virus but also in minimizing its social and economic consequences. The same applies to conflict-affected situations, where extra efforts are required to raise awareness at the community level and where misinformation could provoke insecurity.”

   2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source

9. “The Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire and resolution 2532 (2020) must be respected. As one of the co-initiators of the statement in support for the Secretary-General’s appeal joined by 172 Members States and Observers, Japan once again calls upon all parties to conflicts to faithfully implement the global ceasefire. At the same time, relief efforts in combat zones must not be exploited by or embolden the combatants who control these areas, thereby prolonging the conflict, as we have seen in some past humanitarian crises. Secondly, with regard to resources, channelling sufficient vaccines safely to conflict zones requires considerable resources. The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, including its COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility, is a key initiative in this regard.”

   2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source

10. “The world continues to struggle with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The start of vaccination programmes gives us hope, but no one will be truly safe until everyone in the world is safe. Under such circumstances, I welcome this timely open debate. COVID-19 is affecting all three pillars of the United Nations: development, human rights and peace and security. To overcome this unprecedented human security crisis and build back better, we need vaccination programmes around the globe, leaving no one behind, including those in conflict situations. Today I wish to highlight three key words for realizing effective inoculation for conflict-affected populations: ceasefire, resources and transparency. First, with regard to the ceasefire, to provide vaccines for the most vulnerable people living under armed conflict, fighting must stop.”

    2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source

11. “Recognizing the Palestinians’ long-standing aspirations for statehood, Japan will continue to help the parties build confidence and provide assistance for Palestinians’ State-building efforts. To that end, we will continue to promote our own initiatives, such as the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity and the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development. Once again, I would like to urge both sides to resume direct negotiations, seizing all possible opportunities, and I strongly hope that this year we see new progress towards the realization of peace in the Middle East.”

    2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source

12. “Most recently, Japan decided to make an additional contribution of $1.5 million in December for humanitarian assistance, such as the provision of food and winter clothing kits, as well as assistance in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene. One example to which I wish to make particular reference is the Your Health with UNRWA mobile application, developed with Japan’s contribution and launched last October. The application allows all registered Palestinians to access their health records and relevant health-care materials online. Japan hope that the project will be conducive to leaving no one’s health behind towards achieving universal health coverage in Palestine.”

    2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source

13. “The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose serious risks to human security, threatening people’s survival, livelihoods and dignity around the world. Palestine is no exception, and the pandemic is adding more difficulties for the Palestinian people on top of the existing ones. Japan highly values the irreplaceable work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in support of the Palestinian people and commends its work to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19. We have therefore made additional contributions to UNRWA since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and Japan’s total contribution in 2020 amounted to more than $30 million.”

    2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source

14. “In that respect, Japan welcomes the presidential decree of 15 January to hold a series of elections in Palestine. Japan believes the realization of those elections will mark an important step towards establishing a future democratic and independent Palestinian State. The positive engagement of all the parties concerned, including the Palestinian factions as well as the Israeli Government, is essential for the success of the elections. Japan strongly hopes that free, fair and inclusive elections that include voting by Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem will be held. Japan continues to support Palestine as it seeks to achieve unity through those elections, and we will continue to engage constructively in the realization of peace in the Middle East.”

    2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source

15. “The Government of Israel continues its settlement activities, including the issuance of the settlement tender for about 1,200 housing units in East Jerusalem last November and the decision in January to advance plans for some 800 settlement units that are mostly located deep inside the occupied West Bank. The Government of Japan deeply deplores the continued settlement activities by the Government of Israel despite repeated calls from the international community, including Japan, for a freezing of such activities. Settlement activities are in violation of international law and undermine the viability of a two-State solution. Japan reiterates its call on the Government of Israel to fully freeze those activities. Intra-Palestinian reconciliation is another imperative to realizing a two-State solution.”

    2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source

16. “I would like to begin by congratulating Mr. Mladenov on the completion of his duty as the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Japan had the privilege to work closely with him and highly appreciated his dedication to realizing peace in the region. I would also like to welcome the appointment of Mr. Wennesland as the new Special Coordinator, and I look forward to working with him. First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting a two-State solution based on the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. While there are some positive signs, such as the resumption of financial cooperation between the two sides, the situation on the ground remains worrisome.”

    2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source

17. “As part of such efforts, Japan has keenly backed the efforts by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to improve strategies for prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of terrorists in South-East Asia. Notwithstanding the pandemic, the year 2021 is full of opportunities to advance multilateral counter-terrorism actions, including the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Japan is honoured to host the fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Kyoto in March, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. In conclusion, Japan avails itself of this commemoration to reaffirm its commitment to global counter-terrorism efforts here at the United Nations and beyond.”

    2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source

18. “Multi-stakeholder collaboration is key to preventing and countering the abuse of the Internet by terrorists. To that end, following up on the Christchurch Call to Action, Japan, as the Chair of the Group of Twenty (G-20) in 2019, took the initiative to issue the G-20 Osaka Leaders Statement on Preventing Exploitation of the Internet for Terrorism and Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism. Japan has also actively engaged in discussions on this issue as a member of the Independent Advisory Committee of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, so as to strike a delicate balance between the freedom of expression and effective online regulation. Thirdly, we must continue to tackle wider issues in society that provide breeding grounds and safe havens for terrorist groups.”

    2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source

19. “First, cognizant of the crucial importance of suppressing the financing of terrorism, Japan has frozen the funds and other financial assets of designated individuals and entities in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, including those listed in March 2020 pursuant to Resolution 1373 (2001). Moreover, to tackle the emerging forms of terrorist financing sources and platforms such as the dark web and crypto assets, Japan has supported the capacity-building efforts by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism to raise awareness among officials of Member States in Asia, enhancing their investigative skills on the Internet and social media through human rights-based approaches. Secondly, we need to focus our attention on the Internet, which has become a major arena in the fight against terrorism.”

    2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source

20. “Let me begin by expressing Japan’s appreciation for the initiative of the Tunisian presidency to hold an open debate on this important theme. Despite the dire warning that the 11 September attacks gave to the international community in 2001 to redouble its counter-terrorism efforts, terrorist activities continue to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. There is a risk that social vulnerabilities exacerbated by the ongoing coronavirus disease crisis will be exploited by terrorists and violent extremists. Having itself experienced sarin gas attacks by a religious cult in the 1990s, Japan has been taking strict counter-terrorism measures, fully implementing relevant Security Council resolutions and supporting United Nations-wide efforts.”

    2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source

21. “The second is information sharing among all the actors and coherent actions by all. UN-Women and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict should play a leading role in this respect. Japan also believes that the Peacebuilding Commission could make use of its convening power to provide a thematic platform on this issue and bring together all relevant actors in the United Nations system and beyond. To conclude, let me emphasize that Japan stands ready to support United Nations efforts to strengthen its role on women and peace and security.”

    2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source

22. “This year, Japan contributed €2 million to the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. Fourthly, on humanitarian relief and recovery, since 2018, Japan has been serving as the champion of UN-Women’s flagship programme initiative, Women’s Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection in Crisis Response. In 2019, Japan contributed approximately $8.8 million to support projects in Asia, Africa and the Middle East under this initiative. I wish to underscore two points that are crucial to realizing effective implementation of the women and peace and security agenda by various actors engaged in delivering assistance on the ground, including United Nations agencies, bilateral donors, and local and international non-governmental organizations, among others. The foremost is the principle of national ownership.”

    2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source

23. “Secondly, on conflict prevention with gender perspectives as well as addressing gender-based and sexual violence against women in conflicts, Japan will continue to support the work of the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in the areas of criminal investigation and prosecution, legislative reform and capacity-building for judicial and security authorities. Thirdly, on protection for women and girls in and after conflicts, Japan will work closely with UN-Women, the United Nations Population Fund and the secretariat of United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, among others, to respond to the special needs of women and girls, including physical, psychosocial, economic and judicial protection needs.”

    2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source

24. “Allow me to explain the concrete actions by Japan to implement its national action plan, as required by the women and peace and security resolutions, in the following four areas: participation, conflict prevention, protection, and humanitarian relief and recovery. First, on participation, in collaboration with UN-Women and bilaterally through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan supports developing countries’ initiatives to improve women’s participation in conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Under the Group of Seven Women, Peace and Security Partnerships Initiative, Japan supports Sri Lanka through UN-Women to promote women’s participation in national reconciliation and peacebuilding, including the development of the national action plan.”

    2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source

25. “I would like to thank the Russian Federation for convening this debate commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. Japan promotes the women and peace and security agenda as an important pillar of its international gender policy. As a staunch supporter of the human security concept, Japan appreciates that today’s meeting focuses on the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. Debating in the United Nations amounts to very little if it does not result in positive changes on the ground and delivering better to those in need.”

    2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source

26. “The pandemic calls for short-term humanitarian assistance, as well as medium- to long-term social and economic support. Japan will continue providing necessary assistance to Palestine refugees through UNRWA, with a view to protecting and empowering them and ensuring human security. In this respect, Japan expects UNRWA to continue its efforts to improve and strengthen its management, which is essential for delivering effectively to people in need. Lastly, we should not forget the importance of improving the overall quality of life in Palestine, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan has recently decided to provide approximately $34 million of assistance, which includes food assistance S/2020/1055 through the World Food Programme and aid for the construction of schools and improvement of refugee camps.”

    2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source

27. “The increasing number of infections among Palestine refugees is particularly alarming, given their living conditions in overcrowded camps and the limited health services available. Japan commends the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in this regard and expresses its utmost respect for the Agency’s front-line workers operating under challenging circumstances. In addition to its contribution of about $1.5 million to UNRWA earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 flash appeal, Japan has recently decided to provide approximately $4.1 million of food assistance through UNRWA. This brings Japan’s total contribution to UNRWA in 2020 to approximately $30 million.”

    2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source

28. “Japan will continue to work on building confidence among the parties with a view to the resumption of dialogue, the first step towards a two-State solution. Intra-Palestinian reconciliation is also imperative for realizing a two-State solution. Japan welcomes the announcement by President Abbas at the general debate last month (see A/75/PV.10) of his intention to hold elections, which should provide a unique opportunity for reconciliation and solidarity among the Palestinian people through the democratic process. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is causing a human-security crisis, threatening people’s survival, livelihoods and dignity around the world, including in the Middle East. As always, the most vulnerable people are hit hardest.”

    2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source

29. “Japan deeply deplores the continued settlement activities of the Government of Israel, despite repeated calls from the international community, including Japan, to freeze such activities, which are in violation of international law. Such action runs counter to the efforts to provide momentum towards reducing tensions in the region, including through the agreements to normalize bilateral relations. The Middle East peace issue should be resolved only through negotiations among the parties concerned, and not through violence or unilateral actions. I wish to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting a two-State solution based on relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.”

    2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source

30. “There have been notable developments since the last open debate in July (S/2020/736), in particular the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain as well as the Sudan. The suspension of the application of sovereignty over the West Bank by Israel is also a positive gesture. Japan appreciates the mediation efforts of the United States and hopes these events will lead to an easing of tensions and to stability in the region. Despite such developments, however, the situation on the ground remains worrisome. The Government of Israel has recently approved plans for the construction of about 5,000 housing units in settlements in the West Bank.”

    2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source

31. “In conclusion, I wish to emphasize that the United Nations must play a leading role in furthering international cooperation for robust action in order to address the humanitarian effects of environmental degradation on peace and security, in all its aspects. Japan will be an active partner in such an endeavour, without any reservations.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

32. “At the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), held in Yokohama last year, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to make efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Japan supports African institution-building efforts under the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa initiative, launched at TICAD VII. Japan also promotes dialogue with countries in other regions seriously affected by climate change and environmental degradation through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting and the Japan-Caribbean Community framework. Japan has committed to provide ¥1.3 trillion in 2020 to support developing countries affected by climate change.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

33. “Institutions are not limited to security and judicial systems, but also include economic and social systems that enable the public sector, at both national and local levels, to deliver basic services, such as health and education, to the people. Building inclusive, accountable and functional institutions would contribute to reducing vulnerability, ensuring human security and restoring people’s trust in their Government. Japan has consistently emphasized those points within the Peacebuilding Commission. We recognize that the African continent is severely affected by climate change and is the least prepared to manage and respond to climate change risks.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

34. “In places where national and local institutions are too weak to protect civilian populations and communities lack resilience, environmental degradation could become a driver of instability and threaten peace and security. Hence the need for adequate risk assessments and risk-management strategies with regard to the factors of instability, including the adverse effects of climate change and ecological changes, as recognized by resolution 2349 (2017), on the Lake Chad basin region. In Japan’s view, the key to tackling environmental degradation, minimizing its humanitarian effects and preventing a relapse into conflict is institution-building.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

35. “I would like to express my appreciation to the Niger for organizing this meeting on the humanitarian effects of environmental degradation and peace and security. Environmental degradation, particularly when triggered by climate change, is posing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of people around the world. Water scarcity, drought, desertification, land degradation and food insecurity are ravaging the people in the Sahel and other arid regions. Sea-level rise and the erosion of coastlines threaten those in small island developing States. While climate-related natural disasters and environmental degradation are jeopardizing human security in every corner of the globe, it is always the most vulnerable people affected by conflicts who face grave humanitarian challenges.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

36. “More needs to be done in the field of human resource development and institution-building to realize good governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption. They are the prerequisites for ensuring human security, constructing resilient societies and achieving self-reliance. In concluding my remarks, I reiterate Japan’s commitment to continued support for peace and development in Afghanistan.”

    2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source

37. “Japan commends the initiative of the Governments of Afghanistan and Finland, as well as the United Nations, to review the progress made under the Geneva Mutual Accountability Framework and to prepare for the upcoming pledging conference in November. As Afghanistan’s long-standing partner, Japan continues to be fully committed to supporting its reconstruction and nation-building efforts. As a sign of this commitment, this year Japan has already provided around $110 million, including to assist the nationwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas that necessitate international support are health, education and infrastructure, as well as security service delivery. Vulnerable populations, such as returnees and internally displaced persons, as well as women and children, have to be protected and empowered.”

    2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source

38. “As we await further progress in the peace process, we continue to see the unbearable human toll of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. We are deeply concerned about unabated violence in certain parts of the country. Japan reiterates its support for the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, which has been supported by the statement issued on behalf of around 170 Member States and by Security Council resolution 2532 (2020), and hopes that this call will be observed by all parties in Afghanistan. Sustainable peace in Afghanistan can be achieved only through the efforts of the Government and the people of Afghanistan towards self-reliance, in partnership with members of the regional and international communities.”

    2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source

39. “Japan supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and appreciates the continued efforts of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its partners to commence an intra-Afghan negotiation. We hear reports that the start of the negotiation is imminent, and hope that it will begin at the earliest possible time and that, once started, it will produce a concrete outcome in achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan. We welcome, in this respect, the announcement of the full cabinet nominations by the Afghan Government earlier this week. Japan stands ready to play a constructive role in creating an environment conducive to moving the peace process forward, in partnership with the international community.”

    2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source

40. “I thank you, Sir, for convening this open video-teleconference on Afghanistan. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Deborah Lyons for her briefing and her tireless efforts to lead the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the challenging environment caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. At the outset, let me express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives due to the damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods in eastern Afghanistan last week. I express my sincere wishes for the early recovery of the afflicted areas. Achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan is of paramount importance not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for the stability of the region and the whole world.”

    2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source

41. “At the PBC, we have seen Member States rallying around those countries that came to the Commission to discuss their peacebuilding efforts, exchanging their stories and lessons learned and showing support and solidarity. Seeing this has made me believe that we can, and we will, get through this crisis and build back better together.”

    2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source

42. “However, national leadership is being put to the test by COVID-19, as it attacks weak health systems, impedes access to education and other basic social services, as well as delays the institutional reforms in the political and security sectors. A society can be peaceful when people trust their Government. Strong and sound institutions contribute to strengthening governmental credibility, reducing vulnerability and nurturing people’s trust in their Government. The 2020 review of the peacebuilding architecture gives us a perfect opportunity to refocus our energy on these critical matters, in particular the importance of institution-building, in the context of peacebuilding and sustaining peace. We are stronger together.”

    2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source

43. “From the outset of the pandemic, the PBC has worked tirelessly to shed light on the situation in different countries and regions, leveraging its unique bridging role to facilitate cooperation and coordination among multiple actors within and outside the United Nations system. The PBC can and should support the Security Council by providing valuable advice and sharing compiled diverse lessons learned and experiences. We are pleased to see that the Council is taking steps to engage more with the PBC, including at a recent informal interactive dialogue, where we saw Council members’ willingness and readiness to take on board the PBC’s inputs. National ownership supported by sensible leadership is crucial for building and sustaining peace.”

    2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source

44. “The pandemic poses a multifaceted threat to the survival, livelihood and dignity of people, disrupting social cohesion and exacerbating tensions. Therefore, closer attention to the interlinkages among peace and security, development, human rights and humanitarian needs is necessary. Coherent and coordinated engagement by the United Nations system is crucial to realizing an integrated multisectoral response across the humanitarian-peace-development nexus. Moreover, partnerships with international financial institutions, traditional and emerging bilateral donors, regional organizations, civil society and the private sector should be further strengthened. The PBC has much to offer.”

    2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source

45. “In addition to the acute health threat, there are the economic fallout, the loss of jobs and income, the disruption of supply chains, food insecurity, the lack of access to basic social services, increased poverty and inequality, rising communal tensions and the list goes on, all making this pandemic an unprecedented human security crisis. Resolution 2532 (2020) recognizes that peacebuilding and development gains made by countries in transition and post-conflict countries could be reversed owing to the pandemic and acknowledges the disproportionate negative impact on the vulnerable. We welcome the adoption of this resolution, which reminds us of our collective responsibilities to ensure that hard-won gains are not reversed. Any response to COVID-19 needs to be sought through a human security lens.”

    2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source

46. “I would like to express my appreciation to the Indonesian presidency for convening this open debate. I wish to take this opportunity to further elaborate on Japan’s views regarding the implications of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, discussed during the informal interactive dialogue between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on 22 July, in which Japan had the pleasure to participate as the PBC’s Vice-Chair for this year. This will be a long haul. The adverse effects of COVID-19 are tremendous.”

    2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source

47. “Undeterred by its postponement this spring due to the pandemic, the fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is envisaged to be held in Kyoto in March 2021. Japan will work closely with UNODC and Member States to ensure success at the Kyoto Congress. To respond to the ever-evolving intrigue of terrorists and criminal organizations, Member States and relevant international bodies need to coordinate their measures and implement them effectively. Japan is determined to continue to contribute to such endeavours in close cooperation with the United Nations.”

    2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source

48. “The ongoing coronavirus disease crisis is negatively impacting our efforts to counter terrorism and organized crime. There is a growing risk of terrorist attacks against potential targets whose defensive measures had to be downgraded due to the pandemic. Vigilance is needed even outside conflict areas, including in cyberspace, which terrorists increasingly exploit for propaganda, recruitment and financing. In the face of the pandemic, Japan has swiftly redesigned its assistance to UNODC to enhance Member States’ capacities for border controls, prison management and cybersecurity. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols remain among the most important foundations for international cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime.”

    2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source

49. “Recognizing the issues related to the conditions of prisons and correctional facilities as an exacerbating factor in violent extremism, Japan has supported the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to improve strategies for the prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of terrorists in South- East Asia through a community-based approach. Pivotal initiatives are being advanced, as exemplified by the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel Programme, led by the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism. Japan has been a donor to this project since its launch last year and hopes that it will effectively assist Member States in enhancing their detection capabilities against both terrorists and serious criminals.”

    2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source

50. “In addition to putting in place stringent national measures, Japan contributes to capacity-building in other Member States in collaboration with relevant United Nations bodies. To take one notable example, Japan has been a long-standing partner of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in providing a series of trainings to boost capacities for border control in the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and for maritime law enforcement in the Indian Ocean region.”

    2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source