YouSaid · the spoken record

Ishikane

lines on the record: 693
first: 2019-11-19
most recent: 2023-12-08
sittings or episodes: 145
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

“We are also using our presence on the ground to try to assist the population. In late August, Japan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations signed a cooperation document for a project to enhance agricultural production through community- led irrigation. The project expands on the efforts made by the Japanese physician Tetsu Nakamura and his aid group, Peace Japan Medical Services, to bring back agriculture to farmlands abandoned over the past 20 years. Through that project, we hope to not only alleviate serious food shortages in the country, which we have all discussed as an acute problem, as described by the Special Representative, but also help the Afghan people rebuild their livelihoods and once again stand on their own feet.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We deeply appreciate that UNAMA has addressed a wide range of matters by seriously engaging with the relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders. UNAMA also functions as a gateway to the outside world for the Taliban. Japan, as one of the co-penholders, remains supportive of UNAMA’s activities. For our part, Japan continues to pursue patient, pragmatic and principled engagement with the Taliban in order to encourage them to change the course of their policies in the direction desired by the Afghan people. Since we resumed operations at our Embassy in Kabul in September 2022, we have continuously urged the Taliban directly to abolish their repressive policies and build a constructive relationship with the international community. We believe that building trust with the Taliban is important in that process.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“However, those achievements will be fragile unless the Taliban addresses the Afghan people’s suffering. The Security Council must continue to urge the Taliban to reverse their repressive human rights policies and prioritize their people. In particular, the restrictions on women and girls must be reversed, and their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation must be realized, as called for in resolution 2681 (2023). At the same time, the international community should not isolate the Taliban, as it did in the 1990s, when the country became a hotbed of terrorism, but rather should engage with them. We should be united in our approach to the Taliban. There has been no change in the fact that the continued presence of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is critically important for the future of Afghanistan.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Special Representative Otunbayeva and UN-Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous for providing an update on the situation. I also thank Ms. Karima Bennoune for her remarks. More than two years have passed since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. It is truly regrettable that I have to say once again in this Chamber that we have seen little progress on the issues of concern, despite the repeated calls by the Security Council and the international community. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is becoming increasingly dire, and the economy is stagnant. The restrictions on human rights, especially on those of women and girls, have not been lifted. We acknowledge that the Taliban have claimed achievements, such as improvements in the security situation and progress in the area of counter-narcotics.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“That award has in fact already recognized several humanitarian initiatives, such as Euglena, a biotechnology company that received the award in 2022 for providing food assistance to underprivileged farmers and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The founder of Euglena was also in New York among the Keidanren delegation. Neglecting humanitarian needs, which may further destabilize fragile regions and exacerbate conflicts, helps no one, whether in the public or private sphere. I would like to conclude by reiterating that the Security Council, together with the private sector, must continue promoting public-private partnership solutions in addressing ever-increasing humanitarian needs.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“We need to hear from the private sector more, rather than merely talking in a lofty manner. Notably, the private sector is eager to showcase its support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, Keidanren, the Japan Business Federation, which consists of 17 major Japanese companies, met with various United Nations agencies earlier this week to explore collaboration opportunities for advancing the SDGs. By highlighting that support for United Nations humanitarian action, aligned with our commitment to achieving the SDGs, we can harness that enthusiasm. In 2017, the Japanese Government introduced the Japan SDGs Award, motivating companies to promote SDGs-related efforts by acknowledging and publicizing their contributions.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Last weekend, former Foreign Minister Hayashi visited Ukraine together with representatives from Japanese private companies, including Rakuten, which had already contributed 500 generators to Ukraine, to discuss with Ukrainian leaders various issues, including Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. Moreover, as a co-convenor of the upcoming second Global Refugee Forum in December, the Japanese Government also aims to inspire wider private sector involvement in improving refugee and host communities’ living conditions with the global refugee and displaced population exceeding 100 million and growing. I talked about facilitating the public-private nexus, mitigating risks for private funding and providing encounters, but in order to build a successful partnership, we also need to interact.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Those are fine examples of the private sector finding a nexus between its business and humanitarian needs, but the public sector can help in mobilizing private funding as well. For example, in order to support humanitarian efforts for displaced Ukrainians in the wake of Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation has provided guarantees for the issuance of samurai bonds amounting to ¥93 billion by the Polish Development Bank. Those funds are designated to encompass critical areas such as medical care, education, housing facilities and social security. Providing the public and private sector with an opportunity to encounter each other on the global stage is also important.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Fast Retailing, the parent company of UNIQLO, has a 12-year partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees under which it has provided clothing to refugees, and recent efforts include a sewing skills training project in Bangladesh aimed at empowering 1,000 Rohingya refugee women by 2025, promoting self-reliance. NEC and Waseda University have collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross on landmine detection technology in pursuit of advancing humanitarian assistance through innovation. Toyota Tsusho has partnered with the World Food Programme to establish a logistics training centre in Ghana to enhance humanitarian aid supply capacity in West Africa.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“I thank the briefers for their very insightful briefings. The world faces dire humanitarian crises. The midyear update of the Global Humanitarian Overview this year reveals $55 billion required to assist the targeted 249 million people, but only approximately $11 billion has been provided as of midyear. This situation clearly threatens international peace and security, necessitating urgent discussions and the reinforcement of humanitarian aid, including through public-private partnerships. This meeting therefore provides a timely platform for this vital discourse. One central question today is how the private sector can bolster United Nations efforts to tackle humanitarian crises stemming from conflict. I would like to highlight a few successful collaborations in that regard.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Lastly, the recent proposal by Russia to discuss a so-called resolution of the crisis in the Security Council next week presents a paradox. How can a permanent member of the Council that is openly violating international law advocate for resolving a crisis of its own making? Russia can significantly contribute to a resolution of the crisis by withdrawing its troops and equipment from Ukraine immediately and unconditionally, which can be started without waiting for next week. Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the Charter, and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We continue to extend our hand in partnership to those who share those principles in order to realize a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“In addition, Russia has been organizing what it calls elections in the territories of Ukraine that it currently occupies. It is vital to state unequivocally that such acts following the illegal annexation of those territories are totally unacceptable. We further emphasize that attempts by Russia to establish a sense of normalcy or legitimacy through those activities are doomed to fail. As affirmed in General Assembly resolution ES- 11/4, adopted by an overwhelming majority of the Member States, Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions into the territory of the Russian Federation by force clearly breaches international law, including the Charter. Those actions by Russia have no validity and cannot form the basis for any alteration of the status of those regions of Ukraine.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča for his briefing. We are assembled here today to discuss international peace and security in line with the Charter of the United Nations. That reminds us of what we are collectively committed to uphold, especially when the Charter’s principles are put to the test by actions that go against the very foundations of our world. Let us not mince words: Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine has not only violated the Charter but has also seriously undermined the peace and security and stability that the United Nations aims to safeguard. Russia’s actions have drawn condemnation not just from Japan, but from the overwhelming majority of Member States. We must acknowledge that the situation threatens not only the affected regions, but also the international order under which we all live.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“Therefore, Japan deeply regrets that the Security Council failed to adopt the draft resolution (S/2023/638), owing to the veto cast by one Council member. I would like to recall that the members of the Council have a solemn duty to maintain international peace and security. Despite the regrettable outcome, we need to keep working for the sake of the peace and security of Africa, and Japan is ready to do to do so with other Council members.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“The 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali is the only existing and viable framework to achieve durable peace and reconciliation in Mali. Now that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali must withdraw from Mali, it is imperative to safeguard and promote the implementation of the agreement. Furthermore, any action that jeopardizes Mali’s security and stability is a concern of the Security Council, as they are inextricably linked to those of the Sahel and West Africa. Such actions include transnational organized crime, the obstruction of humanitarian assistance and abuse and violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The Mali sanctions regime plays a vital role in both regards.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“This is very technical, so I do not want to delve into the details, but I have to make clear that the water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System is sufficiently purified until the concentration of radioactive materials other than tritium is below the regulatory standard. The water will then be diluted by more than 100 times before it is gradually released into the sea. After dilution, the released water will be far below the regulatory standard, including with regard to tritium, and beyond three kilometres from the power plant, the concentration of tritium and the other nuclides will be the same as those already found in seawater. The meeting rose at 4.40 p.m.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“I thank the presidency for giving me the floor. With regard to the remarks put forward by our Chinese colleagues and the representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, they use the words “contaminated water”, “threatening the ecological system” and so forth. I think that when they use words such as “contaminated water” they must be clear on the scientific basis. Why is it contaminated? Is it because the water discharged from Japan contains more nuclides than the label that is admitted by international norms and rules? Is it because the discharged water from Japan includes more nuclides than the level included in other parts of the world?”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea made a reference to the water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System. Although I do not see the relevance of that argument to today’s topic, I would like to make clear that this matter should not be subject to political discussion. We cannot accept any baseless allegations that lack scientific evidence. Japan remains fully committed to upholding transparency by providing information based on scientific evidence.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“It is high time for North Korea to stop developing unlawful weapons of mass destruction and stop disseminating propaganda to justify its actions and instead prioritize improving the welfare of the people in North Korea. Japan urges North Korea not to conduct further launches and once again calls on North Korea to immediately and fully comply with all relevant resolutions and resume substantive dialogue with the countries concerned towards complete denuclearization. The path to dialogue remains open.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“Last week, when we gathered in this Chamber to discuss the human rights situation in North Korea, we all heard shocking remarks from a North Korean defector: “The Government turns our blood and sweat into a luxurious life for the leadership and missiles that blast our hard work into the sky. We used to think that the money spent on just one missile could feed us for three months, but the Government does not care.” (S/PV.9398, p.5) Let me ask again: if the money spent on launching numerous satellites and missiles towards neighbouring countries had been spent on people in North Korea instead, how many would have been fed? How many lives would have been saved?”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“North Korea is disrespectful towards the Council and the Charter of the United Nations. Let me remind fellow colleagues once again that our solemn duty as responsible Council members cannot be fulfilled by simply sitting and discussing the matter from our seats in the Chamber. It requires taking concrete actions when confronted with violations of the Council’s own resolutions. Furthermore, our responsibility is to never celebrate a military parade that includes ICBMs, which demonstrates a clear violation of Security Council resolutions. I urge all Council members to be aware of our responsibilities and to restore the unity that was shown in 2017.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“This is not about exercising the right to self-defence. This is about violations of Security Council resolutions. This is about the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In the face of North Korea’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the Council has adopted many resolutions prohibiting any launch using ballistic missile technology. That is why the Secretary-General and the majority of Council members condemned the satellite launch at our June meeting, regardless of whether it carried a satellite or not and regardless of whether it failed or not. Nevertheless, North Korea has continued to ignore and deny its international obligations, and instead chose to pursue its military ambition according to its five-year plan. It has even shamelessly announced its intention to conduct another launch in October.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Khaled Khiari for his briefing. It is regrettable that we are here yet again to discuss the same issue as we discussed in June and July concerning the latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch (see S/PV.9336 and S/PV.9376). North Korea’s series of actions — including this week’s launch using ballistic missile technology, which flew directly over the Japanese archipelago — severely threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the entire international community. Those aggressive acts are flagrant violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions and pose a serious challenge to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Japan joins the Secretary-General in strongly condemning North Korea for the recent launch. This is not about the right to use outer space.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9406 (2023) · source
“A conference on peace for Ukraine was recently held in Saudi Arabia with the participation of more than 40 countries, including Japan, and we will continue to seek a just and lasting peace for Ukraine together. We reiterate that Japan will continue to support Ukraine and that our commitment is unwavering. Russia should immediately withdraw all its troops and military equipment from Ukraine and should respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“The international community has achieved some results. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the international order based on the rule of law. We have strengthened our solidarity based on common principles. That solidarity exists not merely among so-called Western countries but far beyond. No matter how Russia tries to mislead the world, our voices have been united in stating that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is nothing but a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Russia has all sorts of justifications, but everyone understands that they are meaningless in the face of the truth. As Ukrainians celebrate their independence today, they need the assurance of peace.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“I would like to take a moment here to reflect on what Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has brought about. There are countless civilian casualties, including children, and their families are deeply saddened. As we heard from the briefers’ detailed information today, families are being torn apart by the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainians, including children. Countless critical objects of civilian infrastructure, including power plants and dams, have been destroyed. Europe’s largest nuclear power plant has been illegally occupied, posing a risk of nuclear disaster. Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have been damaged. Ukraine’s grain exports have been hampered, grain prices have risen and vulnerable populations have lost access to food. The world is being held hostage. The damage is too great to list in full here.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for her briefing. I also thank Ms. Rashevska for her detailed statement and look forward to receiving a written translation of Mr. Kuleba’s remarks. We join everyone else around the world in congratulating all Ukrainians on the thirty-second anniversary of their independence. Ukraine has been exercising its right to self-defence against Russia’s armed attack for a year and a half, a right that is enshrined in international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and that is being exercised for the sake of Ukraine’s independence, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. My Russian colleague referred to Ukrainians’ recruitment of mercenaries to defeat Russia, but I think it is rather being done to defend Ukraine.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“In addition, concerns persist about their fate upon returning to their homes. Those conditions are simply not in place right now. In that regard, a nationwide ceasefire and reconciliation remain essential components of a political process, but until then, civilians will continue to bear the brunt of the war and require urgent protection. Finally, to address the dire economic and humanitarian situations, there is no option but an inclusive and comprehensive political solution that will end the suffering of the Syrian people. Japan, as a responsible member of the Security Council and a major donor to the Syrian crisis, will spare no efforts in working towards that end.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“It is high time for all Committee participants to put their broader political disagreements aside and seriously reconsider a more substantive approach that includes all relevant stakeholders, including Syrian women. Meaningful political progress is also key to regional stability. National reconciliation should be in everybody’s interest after decades of conflict and the unnecessary sacrifices of innocent people. The security situation in Syria remains deeply alarming. The persistence of terrorist attacks, air strikes, drone strikes and other violent clashes only fuels tensions and pushes the Syrian people further away from peace and stability. We must ask ourselves how we could possibly guarantee the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their native land if Syria remains an active war zone.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“As the political track, the economic situation and the humanitarian situation are tightly intertwined, the situation in Syria, without the progress of even an incremental political process, can become, or continue to be, a free fall, as described by the Special Envoy. All of us around the table need to keep that in mind. We acknowledge that regional engagement has been intensifying, including the so-called Arab contact group, which is seeking to find a path for a comprehensive resolution of the Syrian crisis. In that regard, Japan takes note of the contact group’s recent proposal to hold the next round of Constitutional Committee meetings in Oman by the end of the year. We believe that the selection of the venue should be closely coordinated with the Special Envoy and all relevant Syrian stakeholders.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Alkanawati for their informative briefings. The Syrian people have dealt with more than 12 years of bloodshed, compounded with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. Japan is grateful to the Special Envoy and his team for their relentless efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders inside and outside of Syria through active dialogue and diplomacy. It is critical for the Security Council to continue supporting a Syrian- led, Syrian-owned and United Nations-facilitated political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015). However, as clearly stated by the Special Envoy, it is deeply regrettable that the intra-Syrian political track remains stalled, including the Constitutional Committee.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“With regard to the sanctions list, the Committee received a communication from the focal point for the listing established pursuant to resolution 1730 (2006) in connection with the new delisting request submitted by a listed individual, as well as a second communication from the focal point under the listing request submitted by another listed individual. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the Committee’s commitment to contributing to the promotion of peace and stability in Libya.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“In relation to the assets freeze, no negative decision was taken by the Committee in relation to a notification invoking paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011), submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Committee also responded to letters from Libya and Bahrain on issues related to this measure. The Committee received two letters from the Libyan Investment Authority on various aspects of the assets freeze. With regard to the travel ban, the Committee received two travel notifications from Ms. Aisha Al-Qadhafi, a listed individual, for travel from Oman to Egypt and thereafter to Italy, under a travel exemption granted previously for unlimited travel within a six- month period for humanitarian purposes. Subsequently, the Committee also received letters from Egypt and Italy, the countries of destination, notifying it of the travel.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“The Committee also received a letter from the European Union concerning the status of cargo seized on board a vessel flying the flag of Equatorial Guinea following an inspection thereof by Operation IRINI last year. One Committee member expressed varying views with regard to possible follow-up on the matter, referring to the implementation of resolution 2292 (2016). There is an absence of consensus among Committee members in this regard. In the context of the measures aimed at preventing the illicit export of petroleum from Libya, including crude oil and refined petroleum products, the Committee received a letter from Libya, pursuant to resolution 2146 (2014), on the subject of the new Libyan Government focal point.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Concerning the arms embargo, no negative decision was taken by the Committee in connection with two notifications invoking paragraph 13 (b) of resolution 2009 (2011), submitted by Kenya and Germany, respectively. The Committee also approved a request for exemption under paragraph 9 (c) of resolution 1970 (2011), submitted by Malta. Further, the Committee responded to a letter from Libya pertaining to certain aspects of the implementation of the arms embargo. The Committee is currently considering a response to another letter from Libya on an interaction between a vessel flying the Libyan flag and the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Earlier, in informal consultations on 4 August 2023, which were organized in response to a communication received from the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA), a listed entity, the Committee heard a briefing from the LIA and its audit company on issues pertaining to implementation of the assets freeze. Remarks were also made by the representative of Libya. In the interactive discussion that followed, Committee members noted the progress made on the implementation of the LIA’s transformation strategy and took note of the LIA’s request on the assets freeze, which stressed the importance of guaranteeing that the frozen funds would remain for the benefit of the Libyan people.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“The report, which will be submitted to the Council no later than 15 September 2023, covers a range of issues, including acts, particularly those of Libyan armed groups, which threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya, violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, including in the context of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, violation of the arms embargo, illicit exports of refined petroleum products and implementation of the assets freeze. In the interactive discussion that ensued, Committee members expressed their support for the work of the Panel. Committee members are currently considering the full recommendations of the Panel to the Committee for possible follow-up action.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Mr. Ishikane: In accordance with paragraph 24 (e) of resolution 1970 (2011), of 26 February 2011, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established pursuant to that resolution. The report covers the period from 20 June to 22 August 2023, during which time the Committee met twice in informal consultations and conducted its work using the silence procedure. Most recently, in informal consultations on 18 August, the Committee heard a presentation by the Panel of Experts on its final report submitted in accordance with resolution 2644 (2022).”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Let me conclude my statement by reiterating Japan’s strong commitment to the Libyan people and their aspirations for a stable and peaceful Libya.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“With regard to the asset-freeze measures, we wel- come the discussion between the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) and the Security Council Commit- tee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya earlier this month on the progress made in the implementation of the LIA’s transforma- tion strategy. Lastly, Japan joins others in expressing concern about increasing restrictions imposed on the activities of civil society organizations on the ground. We call for the Libyan Government to take the steps necessary to clarify the legal basis for their activities. Further, humanitarian problems arising from the situation of refugees, migrants and abductees have to be addressed as soon as possible.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Japan also notes with concern that the situation in the Sudan has significantly slowed down the efforts aimed at the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries. On another note, Japan welcomes the recent meeting of the security working group in Benghazi to create a safe environment that is conducive for elections. On economic issues, Japan welcomes the announcement of the finalization of the reunification of the Central Bank of Libya and notes with appreciation the establishment of the High Financial Oversight Committee to ensure fair and transparent spending and distribution of national resources. We sincerely hope that these developments will help to create momentum towards unifying all the country’s political, security and military institutions.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“To realize the long-awaited elections, Japan strongly believes that the Council must fully support Special Representative Bathily’s ongoing efforts to facilitate political negotiation and compromise among the Libyan actors. As things move forward, a more careful approach is needed to avoid any backsliding. The Special Representative’s inclusive approach should be supported. While Japan notes the meeting in Benghazi on 19 August, the Council should also urge Libyan actors to engage constructively with Mr. Bathily’s efforts. Japan hopes to support a truly Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. Turning to the issue of security, Japan expresses its sincere condolences to the family members of those who were killed in the recent violent clashes in Tripoli.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bathily for his update and Ms. Al Jerbi for her insightful briefing. I also welcome Ambassador Elsonni, who joins us today. At the outset, Japan renews its strong call for the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections across Libya without delay. After seeing the efforts made by the 6+6 Committee, Security Council members unanimously voiced the need to further build on the progress achieved to secure a legal basis and political agreement to conduct free, fair, transparent, inclusive and safe elections. Elections are the only way to restore the legitimacy of the country’s institutions. Regrettably, Libyan political stakeholders have not yet reached the consensus necessary to pave the way towards elections.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“I wish to respond to the reference by a Council member to the Japan’s security policy in relation to nuclear weapons. I want to make the following point crystal clear: the Three Non-Nuclear Principles of not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons continues to be our basic policy.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“It is high time it embarked on tangible measures to address serious human rights violations, ceased its unlawful nuclear and missiles programmes, fully complied with all relevant resolutions and returned to dialogue. At the same time, it falls upon the Security Council to consistently bring the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the fore until North Korea recalibrates its stance on human rights and genuinely commits to fostering international peace and security. We must continue our work.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recognizes that nationals from the Republic of Korea, China, France, Lebanon, Malaysia, Romania, Singapore and Thailand have shared that sorrow. The urgency is palpable. I urge the international community to come together to achieve the speedy return of each and every abductee. This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While strides have been made, the grave human rights landscape in North Korea and its unsettling implications for international peace and security stand out starkly. It is imperative that North Korea heed the messages from the Council today.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“I must stress that addressing such deep concerns is clearly central to the mission of the Security Council. Please allow me to raise a particularly serious human rights violation by North Korea: abductions. Many Japanese citizens, including a girl as young as 13, were kidnapped by North Korean agents. The act of international abductions infringes on a nation’s sovereignty and jeopardizes the well-being and safety of its citizens, thus posing a serious risk to the international community. The abductees remain trapped, their agonies renewed each passing day, and has High Commissioner Türk noted, with every tick of the clock, aging families despair, as their dreams of reunion remain unrealized. Many have unfortunately passed away with the pain of separation as their last memory of their loved one. But Japan is not alone.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“How many mouths could have been fed, how many lives uplifted, including those of the young generation, had those resources been properly channelled? For perspective, consider that North Korea launched a record number of 70 or more missiles last year, and it has already launched four times this year intercontinental ballistic-class missiles, most likely capable of reaching all parts of Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and even some parts of South America, in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions. North Korea has also indicated it will continue such unlawful and dangerous acts, including mass production of nuclear warheads. The intertwining of human rights violations with international peace and security cannot be more obvious in the case of North Korea.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“The relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions reveal another facet of North Korea’s disturbing scheme: the exploitation of its people overseas sent to foreign shores. Those individuals are trapped in a life of servitude, their efforts directly supporting North Korea’s unlawful nuclear and missile programmes. Worse still is the regime’s the denial to people at home. North Korea has been diverting essential resources towards its unlawful development of nuclear weapons and missiles at the expense of the welfare of people in North Korea, while they have great unmet needs. According to the 2023 report The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, nearly half the population is undernourished in North Korea. That is a staggering number — 12 million people.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“Today, as pointed out by briefers, we see that the same troubling patterns persist. The dreadful human rights situation in North Korea remains stagnant, showing no improvements or even hints of it. Japan finds that deeply alarming and unacceptable. The briefers’ insights also underscore the Commission’s assertion that North Korea is unparalleled in its human rights violations in the contemporary world. The reason for that stagnation is clear. North Korea staunchly imposes on its people the regime’s pursuits, in particular its unlawful nuclear and missile developments. That alone compellingly illustrates the inextricable link between North Korea’s human rights abuses and its pursuit of militaristic ambition, but it does not end there.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source