YouSaid · the spoken record

Okamura

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238

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2014-09-08

most recent

2017-03-09

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43

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un-security-council

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1. “In August of this year, Japan, together with the AU Commission, the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, will co-organize the TICAD VI Summit, which will be hosted by Kenya, making it the first time in its 23-year history that a TICAD summit is held on the African continent. We will fully utilize today's discussion in our preparations for these events. I would like to conclude by reaffirming Japan's strong commitment to ensuring peace and security in Africa.”

   2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source

2. “The year 2013 was also the twentieth anniversary of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process. Ownership, as I have highlighted today, is one of the underlying principles of TICAD. It is Africa that knows Africa's problems best and Africans who are the keenest for a solution, and it is Africa that will ultimately find the way forward. Japan has full confidence in Africa's capacities. Africa is high on Japan's diplomatic agenda this year. In July, during our Council presidency, Japan will hold an open debate on peacebuilding in Africa.”

   2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source

3. “The United Nations-African Union partnership has the potential to provide even greater impacts on the ground in the areas of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Japan believes that the impact of the AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Framework and the African Solidarity Initiative can be enhanced by coordinating the work of the Peacebuilding Commission with the African Union as elaborated in resolution 2282 (2016), on the review ofUnited Nations peacebuilding architecture. The UNOAU can also help enhance coordination between the AU Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office. When we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Organization of African Unity/African Union in 2013, Japan reaffirmed that African ownership is the unshakable foundation of development in Africa.”

   2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source

4. “The African Union Mission in Somalia, authorized by resolution 1744 (2007) pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, is a good example of such ownership. The leading instruments of APSA are the regional economic communities and regional mechanisms for conflict prevention, management and resolution. These building-blocks of APSA are in a position to best understand the particular context behind any conflict within its scope. This is why, for example, the role played by the Economic Community of West African States Mission in Guinea-Bissau has been pivotal in maintaining security in that country. These examples show the unique strengths and proficiencies that regional and subregional organizations can bring to conflict resolution in Africa, and which neither individual countries nor the United Nations can provide.”

   2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source

5. “United Nations-African Union joint planning and management, supported by the UNOAU's capacity- building efforts, have brought positive impacts to the transitions from AU-led peace operations to United Nations peacekeeping missions, such as from African- led International Support Mission to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and from the African-led International Support Mission to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. Japan believes that further efforts by the UNOAU to build institutional capacity in APSA are crucial to bringing coherence to the consolidation of peace in Africa. That said, partnership with the UNOAU cannot substitute for ownership on the part of the AU.”

   2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source

6. “APSA embodies the vision of African solutions for African problems - in other words, ownership. Since its creation, APSA has had to adapt and adjust to complex developments in the field of peace and security in Africa. Accordingly, the areas of cooperation and coordination between the AU and the United Nations have both grown and diversified. In order to make APSA more effective under today's challenging circumstances, it is important to fully utilize the cooperative strengths, expertise and knowledge of the United Nations to promote these African solutions. In this regard, the United Nations Office to the AU (UNOAU) plays a critical role in the United Nations- African Union partnership by providing crucial technical advice to the African Union Commission (AUC) on matters of capacity-building and operational support.”

   2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source

7. “I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for Egypt's initiative in holding an open debate on this important topic. I also thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, the Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU), the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and the Permanent Representative of Kenya in his capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for their comprehensive briefings. Today I would like to talk about ownership and partnership. I would like to highlight the importance of African ownership supported by effective partnership through United Nations-African Union peace and security cooperation. The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) is the central framework for the consolidation of peace in Africa.”

   2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source

8. “In closing, I wish Ambassador Tanin every success in his important work and assure him of Japan's strong support for him and his Mission.”

   2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source

9. “These elements galvanize or aggravate whatever antagonisms exist into violence, which could spill over into the region. So these are the problems that UNMIK must tackle as a matter of priority. UNMIK has been playing an important role in addressing these priorities. But at the same time, if the international community coddles Kosovo too much, it might hinder Kosovo's ability to stand on its own feet. It is true that democracy has not yet fully taken root in Kosovo and that the Kosovar economy is still weak. However, in order to achieve sustainable stability and prosperity in Kosovo, Kosovo's ownership is of vital importance. Let us therefore trust in the Kosovar people, who are well qualified and well equipped to shape their own future.”

   2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source

10. “Kosovo wasjust a devastated land and people with no governing structure. Now that Kosovo has its own Constitution, Government and Assembly, the responsibility of the Mission might have changed accordingly, and its role should be reconsidered. The work and setup of and resource allocation for UNMIK must accordingly be different. What then should be the Mission's current focus? First, it should be to promote reconciliation among different ethnic groups in order to prevent unwanted instability in the Balkans region. In this regard, the Kosovar and Serbian authorities must continue to engage in dialogue and to normalize their relations, in a spirit of tolerance and common interest. Secondly, there are other risks, including the infiltration of violent extremism and the continued flow of small arms.”

    2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source

11. “I would like to begin by welcoming Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, to the Security Council and thanking him for his insightful briefing. I also welcome Mr. Ivica Dacie, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and Ambassador Vlora Citaku. I warmly congratulate Mr. Hashim Thaci on his election and inauguration as President of the Republic of Kosovo. The election was conducted in accordance with democratic procedures and was a significant step towards full-fledged democracy in Kosovo. Seventeen years have passed since the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established. I remember that in 1999 UNMIK was the only governing body in Kosovo, really an interim administration in the proper sense.”

    2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source

12. “He said that, although developing countries used to consider customs bodies as revenue-generating agencies, they are now increasingly aware of the customs role in border controls for national security. I was very much encouraged to hear that remark. Finally, in response to rapidly evolving methods of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, it is necessary to review, update and enhance resolution 1540 (2004). Japan is determined to actively engage in the ongoing comprehensive review process under the strong leadership of the Permanent Representative of Spain.”

    2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7686 (2016) · source

13. “Strengthening the international non-proliferation regime - with resolution 1540 (2004) at its core - is also a high priority for Japan. Capacity-building again has a key role to play, and Japan is committed to providing assistance in that field. For example, for more than 20 years, Japan has hosted Asian export-control seminars to share best practices among participants. It is also important for the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) to enhance cooperation with relevant international organizations. It was very fruitful for the Committee to have been briefed by the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, on 9 February.”

    2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7686 (2016) · source

14. “Those measures provide authorities in the region with a basis for sharing information, freezing assets and prosecuting terrorist financiers in a concerted manner. To combat terrorism more effectively, I wish to highlight the linkage between terrorist activities and illicit businesses. Many terrorists draw profits through illegal business, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, as well as oil smuggling, in close cooperation with transnational organized crime. Therefore, we need to take into account those connections between terrorists activities and underground businesses when we elaborate counter-terrorism measures. We must highlight resolution 2195 (2014), which stresses the need to work collectively to prevent and combat terrorism benefitting from transnational organized crime.”

    2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7686 (2016) · source

15. “In particular, Japan has provided assistance to various countries in the Middle East and Africa amounting to nearly $28 million in just the past two years. Terrorists usually try to disguise themselves and use forged travel documents when crossing borders. To discover possible terrorists, Japan has provided fingerprint readers together with training for immigration officers. The officers can help to detect the real identity of terrorists by matching their fingerprints with those in databases. Similarly, in order to cut off terrorist financing, we have provided assistance on enacting laws on counter-terrorist financing and on the building ofnetworks for confiscating criminal proceeds.”

    2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7686 (2016) · source

16. “For example, we have adopted and improved biometric tools, such as fingerprint readers, with the operating function of fingerprint identification for identity certificates and passports and with facial images in the identity certificates as tips to affirm a traveller's real identification. In October 2015, we enacted new legislation to better cover terrorist funds. Based on those experiences, we urge all Member States to fully implement the resolutions. Terrorists exploit vulnerable countries that are short oflegislation, equipment and training, which they use as loopholes. Japan has been assisting countries on capacity-building for enhancing the implementation of measures to plug those loopholes.”

    2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7686 (2016) · source

17. “I would like to join other members in thanking the Chairs of the three Committees, the Permanent Representatives of New Zealand, Egypt and Spain, for sharing the activities of their Committees with us, as well as for their excellent work in serving as Chairs. Today we face terrorist attacks all over the world almost every week. I fully agree with the Permanent Representatives of New Zealand and Egypt that countering foreign terrorist fighters and terrorist financing is the key to coping with the serious threats posed by terrorists. The Security Council addressed those issues in resolutions 2178 (2014) and 2253 (2015). The full implementation of those resolutions is critical. Japan has been strengthening its border security and counter-terrorist financing measures to better implement the relevant resolutions.”

    2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7686 (2016) · source

18. “The Security Council must make sure that UNOCI concludes successfully, thereby becoming a good example United Nations peacekeeping overall. We hope that the Government of Cote d'Ivoire and UNOCI will coordinate even more during this final cycle of the mandate. Japan will continue to contribute to consolidating peace and stability in Cote d'Ivoire, both as a member of the Security Council and as an important bilateral partner.”

    2016-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7681 (2016) · source

19. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Permanent Mission of France for taking the lead in preparing the resolutions. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chair of the sanctions committee, the Permanent Representative of Uruguay, and to the Group of Experts for their dedication to their work. Throughout the period of the sanctions regime, cote d'Ivoire made undeniable, outstanding progress in consolidating peace. Japan would like to commend Cote d'Ivoire for its perseverance in the effort of stabilizing the country. Some issues remain, but Japan has trust that C6te d'Ivoire and the Ivorian people will rise up to those challenges. We would also like to pay tribute to UNOCI for its work and its commitment to peace during the past 12 years.”

    2016-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7681 (2016) · source

20. “Mr. Okamura (Japan) (spoke in French): My Permanent Representative, Ambassador Yoshikawa, has allowed me to deliver this statement on the occasion of today's adoptions, as I was personally present in the Ivorian crisis exactly five years ago. The worst of the Ivorian crisis took place in April 2011, while I was Japan's Ambassador in C6te d'Ivoire, during which my residence was attacked. The French army and the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) saved my life and that of my colleagues. I once again extend my thanks to the courageous French operation and to UNOCI. It is for that reason that I am very moved to be here today. Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolutions 2283 (2016) and 2284 (2016).”

    2016-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7681 (2016) · source

21. “In conclusion, I would like to say once again that Japan has traditionally stressed the great importance of its relationship with Africa through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process. TICAD will be held in Kenya this year, for the first time on the African continent. The role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts is one of the key elements to be discussed at this year's session. Japan wishes to build up its cooperation with the international community to that end.”

    2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source

22. “Secondly, as a member of the Security Council, Japan wishes to contribute to the work of the informal expert group on women and peace and security. We are pleased to see that the group made effective inputs before the Council's visit to Mali earlier this month. Also, as an active member of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), we welcome its efforts, led by Ambassador Macharia Kamau, to introduce the PBC gender strategy aligned with women and peace and security efforts. Last but not least, this year we will make a contribution of $14 million to UN-Women, as well as to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. The contribution is being made with the aim to mobilize the inherent power of African women.”

    2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source

23. “It must be acknowledged that African women themselves have great potential, and they are active players who contribute to peace and stability. Furthermore, when it comes to peace and stability, we should think of how to best mobilize women's power. Japan places great importance on the women and peace and security agenda in Africa, and so we will continue to cooperate in protecting the rights and interests of women and girls during armed conflict. That involves focusing our efforts to make the best use of, which means to mobilize, the power of women, particularly concerning the following aspects. First, Japan underpins African efforts to establish national action plans on women and peace and security. Projects in Somalia and with the League of Arab States are now taking place through our financial assistance.”

    2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source

24. “On the eve of the C6te d'Ivoire crisis in 2011, everyone could feel the looming tension. Demonstrations of any kind might lead to a terrible crackdown. Then one day, the women of Abidjan started marching in the streets, banging their pans with kitchen utensils, shouting "no!" to violence. They demonstrated their courage by demanding peace in spite ofthe danger. To my surprise, the security forces did not touch the women who were demonstrating. They did not shoot at each other, because in Africa, I understand, attacking women might be seen as an act of dishonour. My point is that, when it comes to the role of women in Africa, we talk about empowering and protecting women. Yes, that is true. But it is not merely a matter of empowering or protecting women; it is a matter of mobilizing the power of women.”

    2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source

25. “A school lunch was now assured, and more children were attending school than before. To my surprise, I also found a big chicken cage beside the rice and corn field. I asked if the chickens inside were also for lunch. But the answer was no. The mothers became aware of their powers of production, and they decided to start a chicken farm to earn more money. The chickens sold quite well at the local market, which allowed the mothers to buy pencils and notebooks for their children. Therefore, women are entrepreneurs. Lastly, women are brave. They stand up for peace. I am very much impressed by the story of Ms. Paleki Ayang in South Sudan, where women of both the Nuer and Dinka tribes get together to bridge the antagonism of the men. But I had the same experience in cote d'Ivoire.”

    2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source

26. “Japanese Embassies finance many grass-roots projects and, as an ambassador, I have found that the most successful and best implemented projects have always been those proposed by women. It is women who are managers in daily lives. Many women engage in household management. Rearing children requires supervising. Cooking requires planning. Shopping requires calculation. If there is money, women use it for education and health care, instead of wasting it. Therefore, women are managers. Secondly, women are entrepreneurs. Japan once provided financial support for a school canteen project in a village in Cote d'Ivoire. The idea was to support mothers who would cultivate a plot of land to produce rice and corn for their children's school lunches. Several years later, I made a visit to that village. The project was successfully realized.”

    2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source

27. “I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for Angola's initiative in organizing this open debate on this very important issue. I also appreciate the informative briefings delivered by previous speakers. I lived in Africa for three years, and I was able to observe at first-hand that the mobilization of the power of women was the key to addressing challenges in Africa. In my statement, I would like to share my experience about the power of women and the important roles that African women are playing, and then to refer to Japan's efforts in unleashing the power of African women in preventing and resolving conflicts. I am talking about the power of women. What exactly is the power of women in Africa? First, women are managers.”

    2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source

28. “I earnestly invite all political leaders in Kosovo to remember that speech. I have faith in the people of Kosovo, their readiness and strong determination for democracy, and their belief in a better future.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

29. “That meeting, facilitated by the European Union, took place on 7 February. When I served in Kosovo, there was no such dialogue. At that time, it was almost impossible to travel between Belgrade and Pristina by car. I hear that people now cross the border freely. I encourage both the Serbian and Kosovar authorities to redouble their efforts to sort out their differences and normalize their relations through continued dialogue. I recall being on the bridge in Mitrovica crossing the Ibar River on New Year's Eve in 1999. UNMIK was organizing the millennium ceremony on the bridge, and representatives of the different ethnic groups - Kosovar Albanians, Kosovar Serbs - were all together. In that ceremony, everybody promised that they would walk together for the future of Kosovo.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

30. “However, the proceedings of the Kosovo Assembly have recently been subject to a series ofviolent disruptions by opposition parties. The fact that tear gas was sprayed inside the Assembly chamber during the presidential election is a cause of grave concern. My delegation urges those responsible to refrain from using violence. They should realize that any violence runs counter to the Kosovar people's determination to achieve democracy. We have strong hopes that the Assembly will be normalized expeditiously. Reconciliation between the two major ethnic groups in Kosovo is critical to its future as well as that of the Western Balkans region. In that regard, I welcome the continued dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. We welcome the most recent meeting between Prime Ministers Isa Mustafa and Aleksandar Vucie.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

31. “The major concerns were, first, whether democracy would be restored in Kosovo and, second, whether reconciliation among the Kosovar people could be achieved. In October 2000, after many challenges had been overcome, the first local election in Kosovo was conducted with the assistance of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I was so encouraged to see people waiting over half a day in the rain - due to the poor organization of the election - to cast their votes. I was very much struck by the strength of the Kosovo people's aspiration to democracy. They wore traditional clothing in celebration of the democratic process. Sixteen years have passed since then, and I am glad that democracy has been taking root in Kosovo. I congratulate Mr. Hashim Thaci on being elected President.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

32. “Let me first express my gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr. Zahir Tanin, for his comprehensive and insightful briefing. I also welcome the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Daeie, and Ambassador Vlora Citaku to the Security Council. Immediately after the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established in June 1999, I personally served the Mission in Pristina. My office was next to that of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Bernard Kouchner - perhaps Mr. Tanin is now using the same office in Pristina. It was a very difficult time, and we were almost at a loss in the face of numerous challenges. Moreover, at the time UNMIK did not have a clear prospective on Kosovo's future.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

33. “Japan is a strong supporter of the Monitoring Group. It is unfortunate that the Monitoring Group has not been able to Visit Eritrea since February 2011. I would like to recall that all Member States are under the obligation to act in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, and to cooperate with the Monitoring Group so that this important body can carry out its mandated tasks fully and effectively. To that end, we hope to see the new experts of the Monitoring Group and Government of Eritrea both engaging in a cooperative and constructive manner this year, with the support of the Sanctions Committee and the Council. Japan stands ready to provide every support as we continue our work in the sanctions committee under your chairmanship.”

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

34. “In order to prevent Al-Shabaab from taking further advantage, we believe that it is crucial that offensive operations against Al-Shabaab by AMISOM, the Somali National Army and the police be carried out in an even more closely coordinated manner. We look forward to the troop-contributing country summit and the High-level Partnership Forum in Istanbul next week for concrete results in that direction. After long endeavours, Somalia is at last moving steadily towards State-building. This must be Somali- led, but at the same time supported by the international community. It is my pleasure to announce that Japan has recently provided additional assistance of $37.1 million, which we expect to be used for State-building measures in Somalia, such as supporting the election process and police training.”

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

35. “In that connection, proper management of public finances in the run-up to the elections is crucial. We must not allow spoiler networks to manipulate the course of events through financial bribes or threats. The Security Council should be ready, if necessary, to consider listing individuals engaged in any acts that threaten the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia for targeted measures. Al-Shabaab remains a major threat. Japan strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that took place recently, and we express our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families. We pay tribute to the African Union Military Observer Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army for their work under harsh conditions on the ground.”

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

36. “As this is the first meeting on the Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea, my delegation would like to start by congratulating you, Sir, on your work as Chair of that Committee. Let me also commend the work carried out by the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group. For Somalia, this is a crucial year for the implementation of Vision 2016. Japan welcomes the recent inclusive Somali-led discussion on an electoral model, and the decision announced by the Federal Government of Somalia at the end of January. It is now important for all parties of Somalia to set aside their remaining differences, engage constructively in the political process without delay, and agree on the details so that this decision may be implemented in time for the elections to be carried out by September.”

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

37. “Continued effort is needed, however, on the part of all actors of the international community to implement its recommendations. Japan is one of the co-chairs of the group of friends of the global study. Japan will take over the role of chair of the Group of Seven next year. Through those roles, Japan will vigorously push forward the women and peace and security agenda during the coming year and beyond. Now is the time for us all to move forward.”

    2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source

38. “In countries experiencing conflict situations, it is urgent to engage the national military forces, police and judiciary sectors with the women and peace and security agenda. Capacity enhancement for those sectors is key. The international community should mobilize every possible means for supporting that objective. Japan will increase its assistance to the office ost. Zainab Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, which is making tremendous efforts in that regard. Japan welcomes the increasing momentum of the women and peace and security agenda. Today's adoption of resolution 2242 (2015) under the strong leadership of the Spanish presidency marks a historical step. We also welcome the completion of the global study.”

    2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source

39. “From that standpoint, Japan continues to respond to the current refugee crisis and will furnish approximately $810 million in assistance this year to refugees and internally displaced persons from Syria and Iraq. Securing project implementation is our second key challenge. In order to sustain project implementation, it is essential to broaden the donor base, including non-governmental organizations, the private sector and individuals. In that context, Japan supports the aims of the Global Acceleration Instrument for Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action. Thirdly, we must not tolerate impunity for security- related personnel who perpetrate acts of violence against women.”

    2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source

40. “As the Secretary-General's report (S/2015/716) and the global study point out, the economic empowerment and participation of women play a key role in resolving conflicts effectively, sustaining peace, and preventing violent extremism from happening in the first place. Let me offer an example. In cooperation with UN-Women, Japan has been supporting the refugees and internally displaced persons in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon through vocational training and cash-for-work programmes. We believe that women's engagement in peace and security, along with their empowerment and protection, will serve as a bulwark against the spread of extremist ideologies.”

    2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source

41. “Today, Japan has the honour to promise to fulfil those commitments. The world has changed since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). The nature of conflicts has changed accordingly. Today, I would like to point out three challenges surrounding the women and peace and security agenda and demonstrate Japan's commitment to addressing those issues. First, violent extremism has emerged as a new challenge. Women are its primary victims. At the same time, they can, by succumbing to the influence of extremism, become perpetrators. Addressing the root causes of violent extremism is critical. But how do we do that?”

    2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source

42. “Two years ago, the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr, Shinzo Abe, showed our country's firm determination to realize "a society in which women shine" (A/68/PV12, p. 34) by announcing the contribution of over $3 billion to developing countries over the following three years. The women and peace and security agenda is one of the pillars for realizing that commitment. Japan has been steadily implementing that pledge and will achieve the goal announced by Prime Minister Abe before the end of this year. Japan finalized its national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000) last month. It has ambitiously set itself 150 goals, which will be regularly monitored. One of the unique features of the plan is its inclusion and emphasis on gender mainstreaming during all phases of natural disaster risk-reduction and response.”

    2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source

43. “I would like to express my gratitude to you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his statement. I also appreciate the briefings by Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN-Women, and the non-governmental organization representatives. This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption ofresolution 1325 (2000), the first and historic resolution to recognize the role of gender equality and women's leadership in international peace and security. Japan, as a peace-loving nation, has consistently supported conflict resolution and peacebuilding and maintains the perspective of gender equality in its basic principles of official development assistance.”

    2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source

44. “We acknowledge and welcome the fact that a Tripartite Commission with the participation of donor countries has been set up to examine the role, structure and activities of all United Nations entities in Afghanistan. Regardless of its form, Japan would like to reaffirm its strong solidarity with the Afghan people and its firm commitment to assisting that country on its path towards peace, prosperity and self-reliance under the principle of mutual accountability.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

45. “Furthermore, on 2 June, quite recently, Japan approved the disbursement of $25 million in counterpart funds to help the Afghan Government to conclude a civil airspace management contract. Furthermore, Japan, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, among others, is also working to strengthen productivity in agriculture, which is the largest source of employment in the country. In order to maximize the economic potential with which Afghanistan is endowed, we look to the Government to implement its reform programme entitled "Realizing self-reliance" to address fiscal vulnerabilities and improve security and political stability. To conclude, Japan and the international community will stand by Afghanistan as it overcomes its initial challenges and cements its foundations towards self- reliance.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

46. “Thirdly, economic opportunity and growth are legitimate aspirations for all Afghans. We are therefore concerned by the economic slowdown, which, among other factors, has been attributed to political and security uncertainties. Nonetheless, the long-term drivers of growth, particularly human capital and economic connectivity, are encouraging. Through assistance from Japan and the international community, the number of schoolchildren has increased nine-fold, to 9.2 million in 12 years. Concerning economic connectivity, we have helped lay more than 700 kilometres of new trunk roads that stretch throughout the country. Kabul International Airport, rehabilitated with Japan's assistance, has increased passenger traffic by 150 per cent in a span of five years.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

47. “In that regard, we welcome the Government's engagement with national and regional actors in promoting reconciliation. Furthermore, we welcome the facilitation by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan of civil society-led dialogue towards that end. Japan, for its part, has been supporting the peaceful reintegration of ex-combatants into Afghan society. As a leading contributor to the Afghanistan peace and reintegration programme and other efforts, Japan has contributed to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of approximately 60,000 ex-combatants, the disbandment of 737 armed groups and the collection of 276,000 weapons. Japan looks forward to further progress and to the consolidation of Afghanistan's democratic path to peace and prosperity.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

48. “To that end, Japan will continue to assist Afghanistan to strengthen its law-enforcement capacity, principally through the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan, to which Japan has hitherto contributed more than $1 billion. Our assistance has helped Afghanistan double the size of its police force in four years. Furthermore, knowing that effective law enforcement is contingent upon capable and dedicated individuals, Japan has been providing capacity-building in fields as diverse as literacy education and legal training. For example, Japan, in cooperation with Turkey and NATO, is currently providing assistance for the training of 325 female police officers in Turkey, in the light of the importance of protecting women's rights. Secondly, political reconciliation is part and parcel of Afghanistan's long-term stability.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

49. “To that effect, we welcome the fact that Afghanistan is making efforts to strengthen governance. Of particular relevance is the fight against corruption, which includes the judiciary and local governments. As the Afghan Government has rightly noted, corruption raises the costs of development and damages its credibility in the eyes of its people. We are also alarmed by the security situation and the record high number of civilian casualties on the ground, including in the northern provinces of Kunduz and Badakhstan. We likewise note with concern the presence of foreign fighters in the country. However, we remain confident that Afghanistan's law-enforcement and security forces are up to the task.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

50. “Cognizant of the fact that political certainty underpins security and economic growth, we call for the timely implementation of electoral reforms and parliamentary elections. We likewise look to the Government led by President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah to accelerate its reform process and address the immediate challenges, including corruption, security and the economy. As Afghanistan works towards peace, prosperity and self-reliance, we consider the following issues to be of continued importance: strengthening governance, advancing political reconciliation and cementing the foundations of a sustainable economy. First, as Afghanistan takes its first steps towards self-reliance, we see that the resolve and capabilities of the Government are being tested.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source