YouSaid · the spoken record

Ishikane

lines on the record

693

first

2019-11-19

most recent

2023-12-08

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145

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un-security-council

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1. “Since 2020, Japan has served as a board member of the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and will contribute €2 million, in addition to the €4 million we have contributed to date, in order to ensure access to reparations and redress for survivors. Japan will continue to actively engage in global advocacy for enhanced international cooperation to realize victim’s access to justice, remedies and assistance. Japan firmly supports efforts for justice and accountability. Respect for the rule of law and sustaining peace will never be achieved without tackling impunity. Japan will continue to work together with our partners to that end.”

   2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

2. “For that reason, Japan referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court and looks forward to Prosecutor Khan’s continued progress in the investigation. Japan also welcomes United Nations efforts to strengthen accountability in other parts of the world, including in Syria. The second element is strengthening national ownership of the rule of law. Japan has played a leading role in extending support for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia since its inception. The trials of those Courts have provided crucial steps towards the conclusion of the entire peace process in Cambodia and have contributed to delivering justice and strengthening the rule of law in the country. The third critical element is restoring the rights and dignity of victims and survivors.”

   2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

3. “I would like to thank Albania for convening this open debate. I also thank Judge Donoghue, President of the International Court of Justice; Ms. Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Professor Akande for their briefings. I would like to emphasize three elements that are critical for upholding the rule of law in international relations and to share Japan’s concrete actions in that regard. The first element is the theme of today’s meeting: strengthening accountability. Situations in which violations of international law are overlooked and no one is held accountable will have ripple effects elsewhere in the world and seriously undermine the stability and prosperity of the international community.”

   2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

4. “Thirdly, at the formal meeting of the General Assembly to be held in 10 working days following the exercise of today’s veto, Japan hopes to see all Member States raise their voices against the illegal and destabilizing activities by North Korea and the non-fulfilment of the responsibilities of the Security Council due to the exercise of veto — despite the repeated violations of Security Council resolutions by North Korea.”

   2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

5. “Today’s veto does not negate the need for their strict implementation. Japan urges all Member States to fulfil their obligations in that regard. Japan also expects that the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) will continue to be fully functional. Secondly, the Security Council needs to continue to explore ways to address the ever-growing threat of North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities. The most appropriate way to address that serious challenge to the maintenance of international peace and security remains the adoption of a new draft resolution by a strong and unified Council.”

   2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

6. “While it sought to update and strengthen sanctions, including in key areas such as oil and the cyberdomain, it also incorporated humanitarian perspectives and duly reflected the situation of the ongoing pandemic in North Korea. Japan would like to pay its deep respects to the tireless efforts by the United States and other Council members that have patiently engaged in serious consultations to bring this balanced text to the table. The draft resolution also expressed deep concern about the grave hardship to which the people in North Korea are subjected. In that context, we urge North Korea to take concrete measures towards the immediate resolution of the abductions issue. Given the state of affairs in the Council today, I would like to conclude with three clear points. First, existing Security Council resolutions continue to be in effect.”

   2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

7. “North Korea continues its destabilizing nuclear and missile activities, including repeated ICBM launches, in violation of numerous Council resolutions. Those actions gravely threaten the peace and security of the region and beyond. Yet we have seen no Council resolutions adopted as a result of those activities. We cannot help but ask: What is the veto for? What is the Security Council for? Yesterday North Korea again launched ballistic missiles, including an ICBM-class ballistic missile. Japan strongly condemns North Korea’s continued provocative acts and believes that they further reinforce the need for the Council to adopt a new sanctions draft resolution. Today’s draft resolution, put forward by the United States, was indeed a well-considered one.”

   2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

8. “Japan deeply regrets the result of the voting. I carefully listened to the explanations of vote by the members of the Security Council who voted against draft resolution S/2022/431. Still, the reasons behind the objection to the draft resolution remain totally unclear and unconvincing In December 2017 when Japan presided over the Council, it unanimously adopted resolution 2397 (2017), which stipulates that further restrictions on oil will be imposed in the event of a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. All permanent members of the Council agreed to that stipulation at the time. It is deeply regrettable that, at this time, the agreement was not respected by some of those members. Such inconsistent behaviour seriously undermines the credibility of the Council.”

   2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

9. “We will work closely with other Member States, the United Nations system, international humanitarian organizations and civil society organizations to contribute to that endeavour.”

   2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

10. “Countering the obstruction of humanitarian access is crucial, but it is not enough. The international community should act in a timely manner to allow humanitarian access to surge once the obstacles to that access have been cleared. Following the agreement of the first nationwide truce in six years in Yemen, on 10 May Japan decided to provide $10 million through the World Food Programme in response to the food crisis in the country. That assistance is expected to make a big difference against the backdrop of rising food prices. In support of the internally displaced persons affected by conflict in northern Ethiopia, Japan provided $12.4 million in December 2021, as soon as the access to humanitarian assistance had been improved. Japan is determined to continue making every effort for the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

11. “While there may be some room to improve the monitoring and reporting of humanitarian access, there are no easy practical solutions or mechanisms that can effectively counter the systematic denial of such access by parties to ongoing conflicts, who rarely agree to or respect unimpeded access. Achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine is of the utmost importance. In view of the intolerable civilian suffering in Ukraine, Russia must immediately cease its hostilities and fully implement General Assembly resolution ES-11/2, adopted on 24 March, and the relevant Human Right Council resolutions. Since the invasion, Japan’s emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and neighbouring countries amounts to $200 million in total. Japan will continue to stand by the people of Ukraine.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

12. “I thank the United States for convening this important meeting. I would also like to thank the briefers and pay tribute to the continuing efforts to protect civilians under the leadership of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The global trend on the protection of civilians is disturbing. Conflict continues to cause civilian deaths and injuries, sexual violence, family separations and disappearances. The safety of medical and humanitarian personnel and their facilities remains at high risk. The Security Council must use the full extent of its influence to facilitate the implementation of the relevant resolutions and ensure that the key provisions of international humanitarian law are respected.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

13. “In conclusion, Japan reiterates its sincere and strong expectation that the Council will fulfil its responsibility to realize the dismantlement of all North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, in accordance with the relevant Council resolutions. Japan will continue to cooperate with Council members and all other Member States to reach a comprehensive solution to the issues related to North Korea. The meeting rose at 4.30 p.m.”

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9030 (2022) · source

14. “Japan earnestly supports the United States initiative for a new resolution in that respect. We request all other Council members to do the same. Secondly, a new resolution must match the increasing level of threat. Japan considers it critical to follow up on what resolution 2397 (2017) stipulates with regard to further restrictions on oil in the event of a North Korean ICBM launch. We also support possible actions in relevant fields, including the cyberdomain, which has been identified as a key source of North Korea’s revenue by the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006).”

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9030 (2022) · source

15. “The level of threat far exceeds what we saw in 2017, and it is increasing. It poses a grave and imminent threat to the security of Japan and beyond. It challenges the very authority of the Security Council. It increases proliferation risks in every corner of the world and threatens international peace and security. Please allow me to emphasize the response that Japan strongly wishes to see from the Security Council. First, we need the Council’s swift action in the form of a new sanctions resolution. North Korea has publicly declared that it will implement its five-year plan, which includes a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and tactical nuclear weapons. The right message to discourage such potential developments and urge it to come back to diplomatic dialogue can be sent only through a new resolution.”

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9030 (2022) · source

16. “North Korea announced in mid-April that it had conducted another round of missile launches, stating that the missiles were for “strengthening the effectiveness of tactical nuclear operation” — the first announcement placing a specific launch in the context of its development of tactical nuclear weapons. North Korea then publicly stated in late April that it would develop its nuclear forces “at the fastest possible speed”. It also alluded to the possible use of nuclear weapons, not just for deterrence but for other purposes. Furthermore, there have been widespread reports of ongoing activities at a nuclear test site in North Korea, possibly in preparation for another nuclear test. We must not tolerate North Korea’s nuclear and missile development becoming a new normal.”

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9030 (2022) · source

17. “I thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. Since the Security Council last met on this agenda item in late March (see S/PV.9004), North Korea has only accelerated its nuclear and missile programmes as if it were taking advantage of the lack of a strong Council reaction. Its ballistic-missile launches on 4 and 7 May, local time, twice in just one week, are clear violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions. One of those launches is presumed to be that of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, indicating further diversification of its missile forces. Japan strongly condemns those dangerous and destabilizing acts. The absence of a public announcement by North Korea does not provide impunity. I also have to alert the Council to the fact that additional gravely worrisome signs are looming in the nuclear dimension.”

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9030 (2022) · source

18. “Japan will remain committed to supporting the people of Palestine so long as humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges remain there. Japan also calls for further international efforts, including those by countries in the region, to implement pledges and make fresh contributions to UNRWA, as the Agency continues to face chronic financial difficulties. In addition humanitarian aid, Japan will continue to provide assistance for Palestinian State-building efforts. We will continue to promote our own initiatives toward this end. The Jericho Agro Industrial Park is the flagship project of Japan’s Corridor for Peace and Prosperity initiative. The Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development is also in Japan’s portfolio of support for the people of Palestine.”

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

19. “The negative impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on global food security has added to the economic difficulties from which Palestine has already been suffering. According to the World Food Programme, a significant rise in food prices has been recorded throughout the Middle East region, including in Palestine. Japan will address the global food-security crisis through a joint Group of Seven effort in close cooperation with relevant international bodies. Considering the new context in Palestine, Japan decided on 1 April to contribute $3.35 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian aid, including food support. Japan’s total support for UNRWA in 2021, $50.5 million, was our largest contribution in the past five years.”

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

20. “At the outset, I would like to stress Japan’s commitment to supporting a two- State solution based on the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. I have to start by expressing concern about the violence between Israelis and Palestinians, which has been escalating for weeks and could be a significant hindrance to the achievement of a two-State solution. Recent violent clashes at holy sites, in particular, are worrisome. Japan expresses its deep concern over the recent negative developments, stressing that the sanctity of the holy sites should be respected. Japan calls for restraint and reiterates that a solution cannot be achieved through violence, but only through negotiations and mutual trust. The economic situation in Palestine is another concern.”

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

21. “I would just like to reiterate that Japan has been unwavering in its significant contributions to the universal values of the international community since the end of the Second World War, upholding and improving human rights. I hope that most Member States concur with that.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

22. “Japan is seriously concerned about the growing number of alarming reports of sexual violence and therefore calls on all Member States to take effective action to protect and respond to survivors’ needs. We remain fully committed to working with the United Nations and other partners to tackle the issue of conflict-related sexual violence on a global scale. Before I conclude, I would like to respond to the inadequate statement that was made earlier today by one of the members of the Council. I think that we should be humble and honest in squarely facing what has been done in the past as well as what is being done now. I will not repeat our position on the issue that was raised, as it has been explained on countless occasions.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

23. “Japan became a member of the Board of Directors of the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in 2020. We will be contributing €2 million to the Global Fund in addition to the €4 million we have contributed to date, to ensure access to reparations and redress for survivors. Japan has supported the International Criminal Court Trust Fund for Victims since 2014 and has earmarked most of its contributions for support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Lastly, we will advocate on a global level for enhanced international cooperation to facilitate access to justice, redress and assistance for all survivors of sexual violence in conflict, post-conflict and other fragile situations, including post-disaster and post- pandemic situations.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

24. “Japan has provided financial support since 2014 to the work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, which reports to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. The Team of Experts has conducted work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Somalia and Iraq in support of investigations and prosecutions, legislative reform and capacity-building for judicial and security authorities. Its efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo led to the prosecution of the leader of an armed group following a mobile court hearing in January 2021. Secondly, we will provide support to survivors through a multilateral framework.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

25. “I would like to express my appreciation to the United Kingdom for convening today’s important open debate. Despite all the prevention efforts, there continue to be alarming reports of sexual violence in conflict. Most recently, the Security Council heard worrying reports of sexual violence in Ukraine during briefings on 5 and 11 April (see S/PV.9011 and S/PV.9014). While Japan finds those reports particularly disappointing, we are determined to redouble our efforts to assist national endeavours to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and in particular that survivors receive support through the following measures. First, we will bolster accountability efforts.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

26. “The Council has repeatedly made clear that it is necessary to achieve the dismantlement of all of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, in accordance with the relevant Council resolutions. Those resolutions are about not only what North Korea needs to do, but also what we, the other Member States, are obliged to do. Japan strongly urges all Member States to fully implement the relevant Security Council resolutions. Now is not the time for easing sanctions. In conclusion, Japan expects that the Council will fulfil its responsibility by swiftly taking united action. Japan will continue to work closely with Council members and all other Member States to reach a comprehensive solution to the problems related to North Korea.”

    2022-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9004 (2022) · source

27. “In that regard, I welcome the initiative to introduce a new resolution. Secondly, none North Korea’s repeated missile launches can be viewed in isolation. They are part of its reinvigorated nuclear and missile programmes. North Korea has publicly declared that it intends to acquire various weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons. Those wilful and repeated violations of Council resolutions are partly the result of the long, regrettable silence of the Council. This should end now. Thirdly, this is taking place as the world is struggling to restore peace in Ukraine and save many innocent civilian lives there. We must not allow North Korea to take advantage of the situation to further develop its prohibited capability.”

    2022-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9004 (2022) · source

28. “It increases proliferation risks in every corner of the world and threatens international peace and security. This is a clear escalation. We need concrete and immediate action by the Council. Let me make three points. First, the latest launch is the first full-scale launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile since November 2017. Japan was a non-permanent member of Council at that time, and we recall that the event led to the subsequent adoption of resolution 2397 (2017). The resolution stipulates that if the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea conducts a launch of a ballistic missile system capable of reaching intercontinental range, the Council will take action to restrict further the export to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of petroleum. I urge the Council to follow up and do what it has already agreed to do.”

    2022-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9004 (2022) · source

29. “I also thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. Yesterday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile in the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) class, which flew an estimated 1,100 kilometres with an apogee of an estimated 6,000 kilometres, the longest reach of any North Korean launch to date. It splashed down in the Japanese exclusive economic zone (EEZ), just 150 kilometres from Japanese soil. Japan strongly condemns this dangerous and destabilizing act. It endangered vessels in our exclusive economic zone and exposed aircraft in the surrounding area to great safety risks. It poses an imminent and grave threat to Japan’s security. This is yet another serious violation of multiple resolutions adopted unanimously by the Security Council.”

    2022-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9004 (2022) · source

30. “The Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, to which Japan is a signatory, could serve as a useful platform for strengthening cooperation under multi-stakeholder partnerships. We urgently need tangible actions that different public and private partners can undertake to support gender-responsive, community-based approaches in a sustainable manner. Japan is committed to playing its part in that endeavour.”

    2022-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8989 (2022) · source

31. “In this project, in collaboration with local authorities in Cameroon and Nigeria, Sasakawa provided training to women farmers in climate-smart agriculture and in income-generating marketing skills to ensure that they will be economically empowered. The success of this project depended on combining the expertise and support of UN-Women, civil society organizations and local authorities. Effective partnership requires effective complementarity, and the first step to realize such complementary relationships is to enhance the sharing of information and increasing the interactions among various stakeholders — civil society organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and of course, Governments and United Nations entities — particularly in a conflict-affected environment.”

    2022-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8989 (2022) · source

32. “Women must be at the centre of all our efforts to build peaceful and resilient societies, capable of solving issues through peaceful means and free from any temptation to change the status quo by force. Participation of women is key to conflict prevention, which requires long-term, comprehensive, context- specific measures, including empowerment and proper institution-building under effective partnership among stakeholders. To better explain what I mean, I would like to share a concrete example. Japan recently supported a UN-Women-led project in the Lake Chad region aimed at empowering women affected by violent conflict prompted by Boko Haram. UN-Women partnered with the Sasakawa Africa Association, a Japanese civil society organization that has been supporting smallholder farmers in Africa for over 30 years.”

    2022-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8989 (2022) · source

33. “I would like to express my appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for convening today’s important debate on women and peace and security, with a focus on women’s economic inclusion and participation. I thank Ms. Sima Bahous, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva and the civil society representative for their briefings. First of all, I would like to express our grave concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in and around Ukraine, including the dire impacts on women and girls, caused by the Russian aggression. While hoping for a restoration of the status quo ante bellum in Ukraine at the earliest, we must also keep in mind that surviving a crisis is but the tip of the iceberg of the vast women and peace and security agenda.”

    2022-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8989 (2022) · source

34. “For example, Japan has long supported the people in Gaza, including by contributing to the conflict preparedness and protection project of the Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which substantially reduced casualties due to explosive ordnance through extensive risk education. Japan is also starting to support the UNMAS explosive risk reduction project in Ethiopia. Japan is determined to continue to make every effort for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We will continue to work closely with other Member States, the United Nations system, international humanitarian organizations and civil society organizations to contribute to that endeavour.”

    2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source

35. “In that context, Japan joined the statement of the Group of Friends on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Japan reiterates that international humanitarian law provides a robust legal basis for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including in cities. In the same vein, Japan co-sponsored resolution 2573 (2021), on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, and echoes the grave concern about indiscriminate attacks and the establishment of military positions in densely populated areas, as well as their devastating impacts on civilians. Japan is actively engaged in operational activities to help civilians affected by armed conflict, particularly in urban settings.”

    2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source

36. “I would like to begin by thanking Norway for convening this important meeting. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the President of the Inter-national Committee of the Red Cross and others for their briefings. As a staunch supporter of the concept of human security, Japan attaches great im-portance to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, especially in urban settings. Urban warfare kills, injures and displaces a significant number of civilians, destroys critical civilian infrastructure and disrupts essential services. Explosive remnants of war hinder the reconstruction of cities and prevent the return of displaced persons, the return to school and the recovery of livelihoods. The Security Council and Member States must take concrete actions to prevent and mitigate such tragic impacts of war in cities.”

    2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source

37. “The first is the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity, which aims to catalyse regional investment cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, Israel and Jordan, and the second is the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development, whose aim is to mobilize the experience and resources of East Asian countries for the development of Palestinians’ institutional and human resources. Let me conclude by expressing Japan’s determination to spare no effort to achieve a two-State solution.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

38. “Last month we decided to extend $2.85 million in fresh grant aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its activities in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. That is in addition to our $40.8 million contribution to UNRWA for 2021. On top of that, Japan is finalizing its supplementary budget processes to extend $15.2 million to the Agency. We call for further international efforts, particularly on the part of the countries in the region, to support UNRWA, which continues to face chronic financial difficulties. Lastly, I would like to remind the Council of two initiatives that Japan has long promoted.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

39. “Those acts jeopardize efforts to build trust among the parties and could lead to re-escalation. Japan calls on all parties to halt any activities that would hinder progress towards the realization of a two-State solution and reiterates that a solution can be achieved only through negotiations and mutual trust, not violence. Japan also encourages all Palestinian stakeholders to start constructive discussions as soon as possible on realizing intra-Palestinian reconciliation, including through the renunciation of violence by Hamas and other Palestinian militants. Japan is committed to continuing its support to the people of Palestine as long as the humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges in Palestine remain.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

40. “At the outset, I would like to stress Japan’s commitment to supporting a two- State solution based on the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. Discussing the outstanding issues and building trust among the parties are the necessary first steps to achieving that solution. In that regard, Japan takes a positive view of meetings between Palestine and Israel, such as that in the final week of 2021 between President Abbas of Palestine and Mr. Benjamin Gantz, Minister of Defence of Israel. On the other hand, in recent months we have witnessed violent exchanges between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank, and the settlement activities in the West Bank, as well as those reported in the Golan Heights, remain a serious concern.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

41. “Japan supports the ongoing study by UN-Women in 21 Arab countries, with a specific focus on online violence against women, including women activists and human rights defenders. It aims to clarify the gaps in the legal systems in order to prevent online violence and identify challenges in reporting and accessing services. The project will also facilitate the mapping of existing laws. We hope that the findings of the project will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity in the region to cope with the new threat. In conclusion, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women human rights defenders and peacebuilders requires long-term collective efforts. Japan is committed to play its part in that endeavour.”

    2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source

42. “In order to cope with ongoing threats and violence against Afghan women, including human rights defenders, Japan decided to fund a new UN-Women project that supports local civil society organizations that operate shelters and community-based centres for survivors of violence. In the long-term, however, there is no magic solution to create a lasting safe and enabling environment for women, but instead we must build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions that are owned by each country and can protect and empower people and foster trust in society. The coronavirus disease pandemic has brought to the forefront online violence as a new form of threat that targets women human rights defenders.”

    2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source

43. “As the report states in paragraph 1, “[G]reater investment in the social infrastructure and services that buttress human security” is what we really need for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. That is particularly true in the context of women and peace and security. United Nations agencies and local non-governmental agencies can certainly play a key role in supporting and protecting women in engaging in peace and security processes. Japan has been actively supporting the capacity-building of local women peacebuilders through a number of UN-Women projects.”

    2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source

44. “I would like to express my appreciation to Norway for convening this important debate on women and peace and security, with a focus on creating a safe and enabling environment for women. I thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the civil society representatives for their briefings. First of all, Japan shares the deep concerns about attacks against women human rights defenders, journalists and others, to which the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/827) on women and peace and security alerts us. We are also deeply impressed by the report’s analysis of the goal of reversing the rise in global military spending and ensuring greater investment in human security.”

    2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source

45. “More recently, Japan has contributed $2 million to the United Nations-led Saving Lives Entity fund, launched in 2019 and based on the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. Japan has also supported regional initiatives, including the Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative. In conclusion, Japan remains fully committed to this important agenda and will continue to support the relevant work of the Council.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source

46. “Security Council arms embargoes are also critical to preventing the diversion of arms and weapons to unlawful actors. All Member States are obliged to strictly observe their obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions. Thirdly, Japan, as a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the Council for 2023-2024, actively contributes to addressing the issue of small arms and light weapons. In fact, Japan’s commitment to tackling this issue dates back to the mid-1990s, when it took the initiative to establish the United Nations Panel of Experts and the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts, which paved the way for the adoption of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in 2001.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source

47. “Indeed, new dual-use technologies pose additional complexities in addressing the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. In June, my mission organized a workshop on small arms and light weapons, focusing on the impacts of fast-developing technologies. I would like to reiterate the importance of in-depth discussion of the challenges posed by new technologies to this issue. Secondly, it is evident that swift sweeps of remaining arms and weapons after conflicts are vital to ensuring human security in war-torn communities and helping to prevent the recurrence of conflict. Japan would like to underscore the critical role of the Security Council in effectively realizing the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants in post-conflict zones.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source

48. “In this context, Japan welcomes, as one of the main sponsors, the adoption of resolution A/C.1/76/L.43, entitled “The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects”, in the First Committee, which set the date for the next Biennial Meeting of States and renews our collective commitment to this important issue. I would like to highlight three perspectives relating to the Security Council’s role in tackling the issue of small arms and light weapons. First, Council members must take into consideration, as highlighted at the seventh Biennial Meeting of States, the new developments since the adoption of resolution 2220 (2015), the most recent Security Council resolution exclusively on this issue, was adopted in 2015.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source

49. “I would like to express my deep appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting and to the briefers for their thoughtful insights. Small arms and light weapons reportedly take at least half a million lives annually and pose a serious threat to the freedom from fear that all people are entitled to. To ensure human security, which places people at the centre of our security paradigm, the diversion and illicit trade in small arms and lights weapons must be addressed with priority. The successful conclusion of the seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in July was a testament to the strong desire among Member States to advance discussions on this important issue.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source

50. “Last but not least, the role of women and civil society in conflict prevention should be further strengthened, as emphasized in resolution 2171 (2014). We will never be able to achieve just and inclusive societies that are resilient against conflict or relapse into conflict without the meaningful participation of women, youth and marginalized groups. Their voices must be heard and taken into account in the work of the United Nations related to conflict prevention. Japan looks forward to contributing to the United Nations work for conflict prevention in its principal organs, subsidiary bodies and in the PBC.”

    2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source