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

“I thank Mr. Türk and Ms. Salmón for their insightful briefings. I also thank Mr. Ilhyeok Kim, civil society representative, for sharing his truly heartbreaking first-hand account of the situation in North Korea. We appreciate the courage he has shown in being with us in the Chamber today. Today, after nearly six years, we reconvene in the Security Council Chamber to discuss the human rights situation in North Korea, one of the most egregious in the world, and its implications for international peace and security. Over a decade ago, the commission of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea identified the systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights in North Korea, many of which were labelled crimes against humanity.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our consistent position that the rule of law must be upheld and that every nation must abide by international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and international humanitarian law. A final settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is crucial to peace and stability in the Caucasus region. The Security Council, which is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, should be committed to the issue. Dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan is important. We hope that it will allow the issues related to their dispute to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“The International Committee of the Red Cross is currently facing difficulties in bringing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin corridor or any other routes. It is calling on the relevant decision-makers to let it resume its essential humanitarian operations in the area. There must be no impediments to humanitarian access for international organizations. We urge all the parties to grant access as soon as possible. In addition, the International Court of Justice indicated provisional measures on 22 February related to ensuring the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“I thank Ms. Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for her briefing. We have taken note of the letters from Armenia and Azerbaijan distributed to the Security Council. The arguments of the two sides offer different explanations. However, safeguarding local livelihoods must be the top priority. The lives of the most vulnerable — including those who are sick and chronically ill, infirm or elderly and women and children — must not be threatened. We would like to emphasize the Secretary-General’s concern about the reports of continued challenges to freedom of movement along the Lachin corridor and the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“All parties to the conflict in Yemen must engage more constructively to achieve national stability and safeguard the interests of all Yemeni people. Japan would appreciate coordination and support among countries in the region in that regard. Before concluding, I would like to say that we fully align with the point made by Ms. Wosornu, that political solutions should go hand in hand with the provision of essential services.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“The Special Assistant to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs on the Yemeni Issue, Ambassador Hayashi, visited the region last month and stressed that point, urging all parties to the conflict to join the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy to pave the way for inclusive Yemeni-led talks. In order to build on the ongoing communication between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, it is also vital to seize the opportunity created by the current calm to foster dialogue among various groups of Yemenis, including civil society. The role of the United Nations Special Envoy in coordinating that dialogue is indispensable. In that regard, we call on the Houthis to refrain from making attempts to degrade the situation on the ground, including by disrupting the economic capacity of the Government of Yemen.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“The safety of humanitarian officers remains of concern. Japan is deeply saddened by the recent tragic killing of a World Food Programme staff member, for which we express our deepest condolences and sympathies. Any attacks against humanitarian service providers are unacceptable, violate international humanitarian law and should be condemned. In that regard, we welcome the release of five United Nations staff members from their detention. Japan would like to stress that intra-Yemeni dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations remains key to bringing peace to the country.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we appreciate the recent additional funding commitments made by many donors, including a timely announcement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Japan also remains committed to further helping to fill the financial gap, in addition to its previous contribution, given the significance of preserving the international crisis response capability of the United Nations. While we witnessed progress on the FSO SAFER issue, the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen persists. The briefing given by Ms. Al-Hajj on the situation concerning abductions is simply terrifying. That situation should end right away, and they should be returned to their families and friends. It is distressing to learn that some of the humanitarian programmes have been suspended due to critical funding shortfalls.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Grundberg, Director Wosornu of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Ms. Al-Hajj for their briefings. Japan welcomes the successful implementation of the FSO SAFER rescue project. We are encouraged to learn that the risk of a massive oil spill in the Red Sea has now been averted, thanks to the concerted efforts to address that potentially unprecedented crisis. Japan highly values the endeavour and perseverance of United Nations bodies and the persons involved in navigating the difficulties and achieving that milestone, especially the United Nations Development Programme. However, a substantial financial shortfall still exists. We need to fill the gap to pay back and ensure the stability of the Central Emergency Response Fund.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Japan is ready to actively contribute to the upcoming discussions on how best to renew the Mission’s mandate to adapt to the situation on the ground. To conclude, Japan reiterates its commitment to supporting the Sudanese people.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“Again, Japan strongly emphasizes that all violence must stop immediately and that obligations under international humanitarian law must be upheld by all. Japan is concerned that the deteriorating situation could pose a risk beyond the border. We thank the Sudan’s neighbouring countries for hosting refugees, despite their own humanitarian challenges. In June, Japan decided to extend emergency grant aid in the amount of $5 million for humanitarian assistance in the Sudan and a grant aid to be implemented through Japanese non-governmental organizations in the Sudan and Chad. Thirdly, I would like to stress that Japan’s strong support for the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan remains unchanged.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“It is regrettable that almost four months have passed without any clear sign from the parties of a readiness to end hostilities. Japan urges both parties to seriously commit to international and regional efforts towards a long-term ceasefire, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and the resumption of political dialogue. The parties must also uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of civilians, including humanitarian personnel. Secondly, Japan shares the deep concern of the United Nations about the severe impact of the fighting on civilians in the Darfur region. We are especially concerned by reports of the targeting of civilian populations and facilities. Japan also seriously takes note of the Secretary-General’s concern about the increasing violence.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Pobee and Ms. Wosornu for their updates. Japan highly appreciates their dedication to their work for the Sudanese people. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of the Sudan, who joins us today. I thank the United Kingdom for requesting today’s timely open briefing. It is the Security Council’s responsibility to continue to express its firm position on the ongoing clashes, which have severely undermined efforts to restore the Sudan’s political transition and have worsened the humanitarian situation. I would like to mention the following three points. First, Japan continues its strong call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately stop fighting and return to a peaceful and inclusive political process.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“In the light of the continuing tremendous needs on the ground, we strongly encourage our fellow Member States to make the contributions needed to ensure that the Agency is adequately funded. A two-State solution, whereby both Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security, continues to be the only viable path to resolving the long-standing conflict in the region. In that regard, we appreciate Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland’s efforts to de-escalate tensions. The international community, including the Security Council, must not stand idly by, and both parties must take meaningful steps in good faith. Japan will spare no effort in contributing constructively to that end.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Israel’s settlement activities, including demolitions and evictions, are a clear violation of international law and run counter to the relevant Security Council resolutions. We demand that Israel comply with resolution 2334 (2016) and immediately cease its unilateral actions, which undermine the possibility of a two-State solution. Japan will continue to be a strong supporter of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). While some additional pledges were made at the General Assembly pledging conference last month, the amounts were not sufficient to meet the Agency’s financial needs for 2023. What will be the fate of Palestinian refugees if UNRWA’s support for basic services ceases in September? For its part, Japan has so far contributed more than $40 million in 2023.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“We believe that the problems faced by Israelis and Palestinians can never be resolved through violence, but only through direct and sincere dialogue between the parties, alongside efforts to build mutual trust. In that context, we urge all the parties to come back to and implement the commitments made in the joint communiqués in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh earlier this year. We strongly condemn all acts of violence targeting civilians, including terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In that regard, we are seriously concerned about the Israeli forces’ large-scale military operation in a crowded Jenin refugee camp earlier this month, which resulted in a number of deaths of innocent civilians and displaced thousands. Civilian populations should be protected from all forms of violence.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Khiari for his briefing. Violence and clashes have resulted in multiple casualties in various locations, including in Jerusalem and the West Bank, especially since the beginning of the year. Japan once again urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from inflammatory action in order to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. We are gravely concerned about the repeated visits to holy sites in Jerusalem by an incumbent Minister, the latest of which took place earlier today. Japan reiterates its recognition of Jordan’s special role as custodian of the holy sites and attaches great importance to preserving the historical status quo.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“While we are aware of Arab efforts in the region to advance the political process based on resolution 2254 (2015), the political track remains frozen, including the Constitutional Committee. Without a fundamental political solution to the Syrian crisis, the impoverishment of almost 90 per cent of Syrians living below the poverty line will continue to deepen, and the issues of refugees, the internally displaced and missing persons will remain difficult to resolve.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“We would like to ask the Government to show maximum flexibility in dealing with what is a purely humanitarian issue. If an agreement on such modalities can be reached between both parties and a certain level of transparency ensured, including through a monitoring mechanism, that would be an important step for donor countries in encouraging them to continue their assistance to Syria. In that regard, we want to continue to receive the Secretary-General’s bimonthly report. Furthermore, the United Nations funding scheme for NGOs needs to be continued, pending the Council’s adoption of a new draft resolution. Lastly, we must also consider the country’s long- term future.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“In the circumstances, the delivery of assistance to the Syrian people, who are surviving daily hardships, must be the top priority. For that reason, Japan is extending its assistance not only through the cross-border mechanism but to all parts of Syria. We therefore fully support Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths’ efforts to explore options with the Syrian Government on specific modalities for the timely resumption of assistance via Bab Al-Hawa, pending a new Security Council resolution. We strongly encourage such efforts so that aid can be delivered without constraints and at the same scale and speed as before. The recent decision by the Syrian Government to allow United Nations cross-border aid via Bab Al-Hawa includes impractical restrictions on humanitarian actors.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“Japan continues to believe that cross-border assistance provided under a Security Council resolution is the best way to ensure the necessary predictability, transparency and accountability required by donors and humanitarian actors, including the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), all of which in turn facilitates the early-recovery assistance that the people of Syria so desperately need. The fact is that Council members have continued to make every possible effort to adopt a new resolution extending the mechanism under the coordination of the co-penholders, Switzerland and Brazil, but so far there has been no breakthrough. The United Nations operations there remain suspended, and cross-line assistance has not yielded sufficient results. As we stand idly by, the situation on the ground worsens by the day.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings. It has been nearly two weeks since Russia vetoed draft resolution S/2023/506, which would have extended the cross-border mechanism for aid delivery. With needs in Syria at an all-time high, such an outrageous act politicizes humanitarian assistance and is a painful betrayal of the Syrian people, including women and children, for whom the continued provision of aid is a matter of life and death.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“Today we have heard some so-called objective analysis and arguments aimed at minimizing the importance of the Initiative. But we also heard voices of concern around the Council table, especially from countries that could be directly affected, and we are witnessing actions that obstruct Ukrainian agricultural exports and production. The truth is simple. All of these concerns and hardships have been unnecessarily caused or at least hugely exacerbated by the unprovoked war. The most effective and straightforward solution to all of them would be Russia’s immediate and unconditional withdrawal of its forces from Ukraine to end the war.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“For its part, Japan has committed more than $250 million to facilitate Ukraine’s grain exports and provide food- related assistance to vulnerable people in regions such as the Middle East and Africa. We have also backed the restoration of Ukraine’s agricultural production capacity, which has been so severely compromised by Russia’s aggression. Earlier this year, in March, Japan supplied sunflower and corn seeds to 400 smallholding farmers in Kharkiv — with a particular focus on women and young farmers — where war has significantly reduced agricultural productivity and income. Japan will continue its efforts to secure the global food supply, thereby contributing to the stabilization of global markets in partnership with the international community.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“I would also like to remind the Council of the Hiroshima Action Statement for Resilient Global Food Security, issued in May, which advocated for the maximum and continued implementation of the Initiative. Japan strongly urges Russia to cease its weaponization of food, which will never help to legitimize its heinous act of violence, and to return immediately to the international framework to resume grain exports. Our collective commitment to mitigating global hunger and maintaining stable food prices worldwide must not falter. In that context, Japan supports the European Union’s solidarity lanes initiative for transporting Ukrainian grain and food by land.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“Russia is also threatening to treat civilian vessels bound for Ukrainian ports as potential military targets. It is Russia alone that must take responsibility for all the repercussions resulting from its decision. Japan categorically condemns Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian port areas on the Black Sea, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and the reported destruction of at least 60,000 tons of essential grains destined for export. It is crucial to remember that the attacks on civilian infrastructure may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. We commend the painstaking efforts of the United Nations and the Government of Türkiye in the extension and implementation of the Initiative.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, more than 725,000 tons of grain have been distributed through the World Food Programme, aiding humanitarian operations in some of the most severely impacted areas of the world, such as Afghanistan, Yemen and the Horn of Africa. Remarkably, despite the significant challenges posed by conflict, climate change and escalating energy prices, the Initiative has led to a drop in food prices of more than 23 per cent since March of last year. Japan is gravely concerned about the adverse effects that Russia’s decision could have on global food supplies, particularly for vulnerable people. Indeed, it has been alarming to witness higher volatility in global wheat prices immediately following Russia’s various actions, starting with its termination of the Initiative.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“I thank Mr. Griffiths, Ms. DiCarlo and the civil-society briefer for their statements. The global food supply, already compromised by various factors, has been further exacerbated by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine for more than 500 days now. Sadly, the situation has just deteriorated even further, following Russia’s decision on 17 July to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Japan condemns Russia’s deplorable action and notes that Russia had already been a significant impediment to the proper functioning of the Initiative for several months. Since it was launched last year, the Initiative has played a pivotal role in ensuring global food security. Through it more than 32 million tons of grain and other commodities have been transported from Ukrainian ports.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, Japan will continue to make its utmost effort to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence wherever it takes place, including by promoting the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. As the civil society representatives stated earlier, our approach should be consistent, without double standards.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, the recent action plan specifically acknowledges the importance of providing support for survivors, encompassing individuals of all genders, including males and those who identify as gender non-conforming. We are committed to the implementation of the action plan in a transparent manner by ensuring periodic external evaluations and feedback from civil society. A holistic response to conflict-related sexual violence requires cooperation across Member States, the United Nations system, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. Japan has demonstrated such cooperation by successfully co-facilitating General Assembly resolution 76/304, on international cooperation for access to justice, remedies and assistance for survivors of sexual violence.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“We have supported survivors of conflict-related sexual violence through initiatives such as United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, focusing on areas such as psychosocial care and access to justice, the invaluable work of which is currently represented in the exhibition, entitled “A Conflict-related Sexual Violence Survivor’s Journey”, in the South Lobby. Furthermore, Japan actively contributes to multilateral frameworks, including the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and the Trust Fund for Victims of the ICC. I am pleased to emphasize that the endeavours that I just mentioned are well represented in a key component of Japan’s third national action plan on women and peace and security, which was unveiled in April.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“Through that engagement, Japan has actively bolstered countries’ judiciaries, such as those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, Somalia and Iraq, with the goal of enabling the effective prosecution of perpetrators. One of the concrete outcomes through those efforts has been the indictment of the leader of an armed group following a mobile court hearing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In recognizing the significance of addressing the practical needs of survivors, who continue to endure immense suffering, Japan places the utmost importance on providing timely and comprehensive assistance.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“We firmly believe that establishing robust judicial institutions and holding perpetrators accountable are crucial to deterring conflict-related sexual violence, a principle emphasized in numerous resolutions, including resolution 2467 (2019). In order translate that belief into action, Japan has played a pivotal role in supporting the operation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and stands as its largest financial contributor. Since 2014, Japan has also lent support to the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, operating under the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“In the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, we profoundly regret that the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine have documented in detail and brought to light the distressing reality of sexual violence as a method of torture and inhumane treatment inflicted upon innocent civilians and prisoners of war. In that regard, we welcome the fact that Ms. Patten signed a framework of cooperation with the Government of Ukraine to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence. Japan has consistently demonstrated its proactive stance in addressing conflict-related sexual violence and has adhered to the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for convening this important open debate on conflict- related sexual violence, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Patten and the civil society representatives for their comprehensive briefings. Sexual violence in conflict is a serious crime that violates human dignity and consequently threatens international peace and security. Japan is deeply concerned about the latest report of the Secretary- General (S/2023/413) pointing out the alarming persistence of sexual violence and the weakening of the rule of law in countries in conflict, such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan and Ukraine.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“We also stress the importance of ensuring a smooth and proper transfer of MINUSMA’s tasks. Japan emphasizes that all operations by security forces, including those conducted jointly with foreign security personnel, should be carried out in accordance with international obligations. That includes any operations designed to ensure the protection of civilians. Furthermore, Japan underscores the need for the Security Council to continue its engagement with Malian parties and regional actors to implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, as well as the importance of achieving a political transition and ensuring the return to constitutional order by March 2024, which are indispensable for sustainable peace in Mali and beyond. Japan reaffirms its commitment to contributing to peace and security in Mali and the Sahel region.”
2023-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9365 (2023) · source
“At the outset, let me reiterate Japan’s profound appreciation for the efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) over the years and applaud the bravery of its personnel, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Japan voted in favour of the resolution (resolution 2690 (2023)), albeit with reservations. It is regrettable that MINUSMA has to withdraw at this time despite the many challenges Mali and the region continue to face. We call on the transitional Government of Mali to cooperate fully with the United Nations to ensure the orderly and safe withdrawal of the Mission over the coming months, while respecting all the provisions of the status-of-forces agreement until the departure of the final elements of MINUSMA from Mali.”
2023-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9365 (2023) · source
“Let me pose a question to all members: if a neighbouring country launched a war of aggression against their homeland and occupied their territory, then argued against diplomatic efforts to end the aggression, what would be the response? For most sovereign States, such an argument is unacceptable. Instead of linking support to Ukraine and various diplomatic efforts, Russia must withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“Japan has expressed its position on the transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles from Iran to Russia. Moreover, we are concerned by reports of arms transactions between Russia and North Korea. Any transaction of arms with North Korea is a violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and should be condemned. Japan is closely monitoring related developments. Any efforts aimed at a diplomatic solution to end the war should be based on justice. We all know the indisputable fact, as stated by the overwhelming majority of the General Assembly, that Russia’s aggression is a clear violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. Japan is not convinced by the argument that the efforts to support self-defence deter diplomatic efforts to end the aggression.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Nakamitsu and the other briefers for their briefings. Russia requested this meeting to discuss the issue of increasing supplies of weapons to Ukraine and their implications on diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis. It seems to focus on supporters of Ukraine in the current tragic situation, but we must not lose sight of the root cause. Japan has to repeat its basic position: it is Russia that initiated the unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We therefore underscore Ukraine’s right to self-defence against aggression. Arms are provided to Ukraine so that it may defend itself. The international community is lending its support to Ukraine in order to stop Russia’s aggression and to maintain international peace and security. By contrast, no nation should support Russia’s aggression.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“We hope that the Syrian Government will not reject the initiative from the outset but will rather sincerely cooperate with the efforts of the international community.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“The 6 million Syrian refugees represent one of the world’s largest crises, and the burden of hosting them has fallen on Syria’s neighbours and countries beyond. Yes, the refugees have a right to return to their native country, but the conditions for a safe, dignified and voluntary return are not yet in place. The United Nations has noted the importance of addressing people’s economic concerns, including the lack of livelihoods, jobs and basic services, as well as safety and security concerns, and we call for concrete action by the Syrian Government in that regard. Finally, later today the General Assembly will vote on establishing a new institution to address the issue of missing persons, as the Secretary-General recommended in August 2022 (A/76/890).”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“While we are pleased that the eleventh cross-line convoy carrying United Nations humanitarian supplies has arrived, Japan nonetheless believes that the Security Council must renew the cross-border aid mechanism for at least 12 months, as requested by the Secretary-General. If we fail to act, the United Nations will no longer be able to provide funding to the non-governmental organizations operating in the north-west. The accountability and predictability that are necessary for humanitarian actors and donors would be severely disrupted. More than 80 per cent of the aid to the north-west flows through Bab Al-Hawa. A failure to reauthorize the cross-border aid mechanism would be a disaster. It is therefore our duty as members of the Council to strive to find common ground in a spirit of compromise.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“Yet simply sending relief supplies and supporting early-recovery efforts are not enough. Ultimately, without a political solution that addresses the root causes of the protracted conflict, the humanitarian needs will only worsen. For that reason, the status quo is not an option for us. Japan therefore deeply deplores the lack of movement on the Syrian political track. We reiterate the importance of an inclusive political process, as envisioned in resolution 2254 (2015) and call for a renewal of dialogue among all Syrian parties at the Constitutional Committee and an appropriate handling of the venue issue. Resolution 2672 (2023) will expire in 10 days. The cross-border assistance is a lifeline for 4.1 million people in north-west Syria.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“I thank Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for their interventions. As we just heard, humanitarian needs in Syria are at an all-time high, with 15.3 million people dependent on aid to survive, which is 40 per cent more than in 2020. Despite the multiple crises around the world requiring our attention, we cannot forget the voiceless Syrian people in need. In that regard, Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yamada attended the seventh Brussels Conference, where he reiterated our determination to continue to provide assistance in line with the needs of Syrian citizens and neighbouring countries. Japan also welcomed the recent visit by Mr. Griffiths to Syria to discuss humanitarian assistance and early recovery with the Syrian leadership.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“Once again, we underscore the fact that, ultimately, the only way to resolve this conflict is through direct dialogue between the parties that leads to a two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. We welcome and encourage all international efforts seeking to create an environment suitable for such dialogue.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“In particular, both Israel and Palestine need to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any inflammatory words or actions. I would like to take this occasion to draw the Security Council’s attention to the funding crisis faced by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has warned that by September, just over two months from now, UNRWA will exhaust its funds and no longer be able to provide core services and vital aid on which more than 5.9 million registered Palestine refugees depend. As for Japan, in 2023, we have so far contributed a total of $40.1 million. UNRWA is key to regional peace and stability, and we urge our Member States to provide the necessary donations to make sure the Agency is fully funded.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“Japan is seriously concerned about Israel’s announcement, on 19 June, regarding its decision to advance planning for the building of more than 4,000 new units and its announcement, on 21 June, regarding its decision to advance planning for 1,000 units at the Eli settlement. Settlement activities are in violation of international law, constitute a serious obstacle to peace and undermine the viability of a two-State solution. We once again call on Israel to cease settlement activities immediately. Japan recalls the importance of the joint communiqués issued in Aqaba and Sharm al-Sheikh as an outcome of serious efforts to calm tensions. We strongly call on all the parties concerned to take concrete steps to ensure de-escalation.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“Japan welcomes the united message of the Security Council. I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland and Mr. James Zogby for their briefings. We regret that the situation in Israel and Palestine remains volatile owing to provocative rhetoric, unilateral actions and violence. Japan is seriously concerned about the deteriorating security situation on the ground, as exemplified by the recent clashes in and around Jenin. We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on 20 June that killed four Israelis in the West Bank, as well as the subsequent violence by settlers against Palestinians. Japan is alarmed by the possible recurrence of such events during the Eid al-Adha holidays.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the tripartite meeting in May between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to discuss related issues. To support such efforts, Japan has been implementing projects responding to such basic human needs as water, food and shelter, in addition to health services in those neighbouring countries. Japan remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We will continue working together with MONUSCO and all the countries of the region to achieve sustainable peace and stability.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source