YouSaid · the spoken record

Shino

lines on the record: 312
first: 2023-02-09
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 72
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 would like to express my gratitude to Special Representative of the Secretary- General Keita and Ms. Modi, Executive Director and co-founder of AFIA MAMA, for their briefings. I welcome the report from the Chair of Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) and the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the representative of Rwanda. Last month, we received the report of the Secretary- General on options for the reconfiguration of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (S/2023/574) and the United Nations future role in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As the report highlighted, achieving a smooth, responsible and sustainable transition is our shared goal.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“Lastly, justice is one of the vital components of a comprehensive and inclusive political solution. The fate and whereabouts of all missing people must be clarified to achieve national reconciliation and sustainable peace. In accordance with the General Assembly’s decision to establish an independent institution on missing persons in Syria, Japan looks forward to soon receiving more updates from the Secretary-General and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including proposed terms of reference.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“We are also pleased that so far this year over 4,000 trucks with aid have crossed into north-west Syria using the Bab Al-Hawa, Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai border crossings. However, it is crucial that all United Nations aid deliveries, particularly at border crossings, be transparent, consistently verified and sufficiently monitored to ensure their humanitarian nature. Japan strongly encourages a collective effort to respond to OCHA’s appeal and to contribute to the humanitarian response plan, which will help enable United Nations aid operations in the north-west, including cross-line deliveries and early-recovery and livelihood projects. We are seriously concerned that the international community’s attentiveness may wane as the crisis drags on.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“We hope to see the Constitutional Committee, regardless of venue, reconvened at the earliest. Given continued insecurity and instability, conditions are not yet in place for the dignified, safe and voluntary return of refugees. Host countries, such as Jordan and Lebanon, are reaching their capacity. King Abdullah of Jordan clearly stated during high- level week that “the fact is that refugees are far from returning. On the contrary, more Syrians are likely to leave their country as the crisis persists”. With no prospect of a political solution, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Japan is encouraged by United Nations efforts for the recent resumption of cross- border aid operations via the Bab Al-Hawa crossing, the good news of which we have just heard from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen, Ms. Wosornu and Ms. Jarbawi for their valuable inputs. Syria continues to be in a severe multifaceted crisis. Its people have endured over 12 years of war, perpetual displacement, terrorism, devastating earthquakes and a deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation. Despite the acceleration of regional diplomatic efforts, including Syria’s return to the League of Arab States and the efforts of the Arab contact group, we see little sense of urgency from the Syrian Government to genuinely pursue the political process. We therefore strongly urge all parties, particularly the Syrian authorities, to engage more seriously in good faith with Special Envoy Pedersen’s step-for-step approach and to implement resolution 2254 (2015).”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, Japan stands by the transitional Government and the people of South Sudan in their endeavours to steadily implement the agreement and to realize their aspirations for a dignified life. We strongly support UNMISS and the humanitarian players that are tirelessly working for South Sudan.”
2023-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9420 (2023) · source
“At the same time, the emergence of new conflicts in the region and other parts of the world and the repeated extensions of the Agreement without major progress in its implementation have led to a decline in the international community’s interest in and assistance to South Sudan compared to previous years. In order for South Sudan to overcome this difficult situation, it is imperative to regain renewed attention from the world. In that regard, the transitional Government needs to achieve more tangible, concrete and significant results quickly, steadily and continuously, while the international community needs to recognize that South Sudan is approaching an extremely critical time.”
2023-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9420 (2023) · source
“Elections are supposed to consolidate the people and give legitimacy to the Government. However, if the election were held with inadequate preparation and insufficient credibility, it could become a catalyst for national division. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure an adequate civic and political space for all citizens. Given that the remaining time is running out, the Transitional Government should urgently address that point. Secondly, the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan remains at an extremely dangerous level, as we heard from the OCHA representative.”
2023-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9420 (2023) · source
“I would like to make the following two points concerning the long-term peace, security and stability of South Sudan, which are closely linked to the mandate of UNMISS. First, it remains crucial to implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The implementation should be in line with the timelines established in the adopted road map as the basis for sustained peace in South Sudan. In the light of that, we are concerned that the implementation of the Agreement has been delayed, as we heard from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and, moreover, no significant progress has been made during the reporting period. We are particularly concerned about the impact of the delays on the upcoming national election scheduled for December 2024.”
2023-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9420 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom, Director of Operations and Advocacy of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ms. Wosornu, and civil society representative Ms. Juan for their insightful briefings. Japan takes note of the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/657) on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which describes progress and challenges in South Sudan and highlights the relevance of the mandate of the Mission. Japan would like to thank all UNMISS personnel for their service in protecting civilians and mitigating violence in a challenging environment. As a troop- contributing country, we are committed to our continued deployment to UNMISS.”
2023-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9420 (2023) · source
“It is also troubling that Russia’s attempts to repeatedly convene the Security Council on the issue of Ukraine merely in order to retaliate are squandering the Council’s valuable resources. Russia should use its rich diplomatic experience and influence to foster peace and stability rather than undermine them. The path forward is unequivocal. Russia should withdraw all its troops and military equipment from Ukraine and focus its diplomatic skill on genuine constructive efforts that uphold international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter.”
2023-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9415 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu and the other briefer for their presentation. It is noteworthy that Russia has called for this meeting on the same topic, yet again, in such a short timespan. Throughout this period, member States that are committed to upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations have continued to support Ukraine in exercising its right of self-defence to ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the Charter and international law. At the same time, we are observing flagrant violations of the Charter by Russia, which is relentlessly perpetuating its aggression. Nor can we overlook some Member States’ intensified cooperation with Russia, which is enabling such behaviour. We must not lose sight of the overall picture.”
2023-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9415 (2023) · source
“The Security Council needs to be mindful to reflect them in its discussions on its various peacekeeping missions, as appropriate. With those areas in mind, Japan remains committed to contributing to enhancing performance in peacekeeping and further engaging in discussions in the Council.”
2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source
“In that vein, at the Headquarters level, we call on the Council to better utilize the Peacebuilding Commission’s advisory role and ability to convene a wide range of stakeholders to mobilize every available tool. The third is to improve the safety and security of peacekeepers. Risks to peacekeepers and missions are becoming more wide-ranging, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), misinformation and disinformation. The Secretariat and Member States can support troop- and police-contributing countries’ efforts to ensure that their personnel are well-prepared to mitigate those risks. Japan supports the United Nations efforts to develop and provide training programmes in areas such as countering IEDs, peacekeeping intelligence and medical capacity. In the meantime, new and yet-unknown risks will continue to emerge.”
2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source
“Further strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and the AU, including on capacity- building and expertise-sharing, is one of the issues that needs to be properly taken into consideration to improve overall peacekeeping performance. The second is to enhance strategic and operational integration, especially in response to the increase in the number of missions undergoing transitions. Peacekeeping operations need to contribute to achieving sustainable peace and preventing the recurrence of conflict. Therefore, their seamless handover to other entities, such as United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, must be used as a critical parameter for measuring their performance.”
2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source
“The target period of A4P+ is the end of this year. Therefore, in addition to taking stock of what has been achieved, it is also imperative to identify the areas that require a renewed focus in particular. In that regard, we would like to highlight three areas. The first is to further enhance partnerships. Peacekeeping is built on partnerships among all stakeholders, and the smooth functioning of resilient partnerships is a foundation for improving mission performance. The African Union in particular, among other regional organizations, can play an increasingly larger role in that regard, taking on ever-more ownership, especially given the recent expansion of its institutional capacity.”
2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source
“As a stark reminder to us in the Chamber, let me quote one powerful phrase from the Secretary-General’s report: “A lack of unity within the Security Council can negatively impact the political leverage and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations to support peace processes”. We join the Secretary-General in re-emphasizing the need to continue to push forward peacekeeping reforms in order to enable nimble adaptation to dynamic environments. Japan reiterates its support for the priorities of the Action for Peacekeeping and Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) initiatives and is encouraged by the collective efforts to date to strengthen performance in line with them. All those priorities remain important, including achieving gender parity, as well as integrated performance tools and strategic communication.”
2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Lacroix for his briefing. Peacekeeping operations are facing an increasingly challenging environment, politically and operationally. To uphold peacekeeping as one of the most effective tools available to the United Nations in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security, political support and commitment from all stakeholders are required. The Security Council should remind itself of the importance of its unified support to peacekeeping and its responsibility to provide well-defined, realistic and achievable mandates, while acknowledging the limitations peacekeeping may have in delivering those mandates, as noted in the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the overall performance of United Nations peacekeeping operations and his policy brief on the New Agenda for Peace.”
2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source
“For UNIFIL to continue to fulfil its mandate and serve the people there, we believe it is important to ensure that UNIFIL has freedom of movement as it has had. We also acknowledge the fact that UNIFIL works closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces, as that has always been the case. With this renewed mandate strongly supported by the Council, we trust that UNIFIL will continue to play a critical role in bringing stability to the region. We look forward to continuing to engage with our fellow Council members and other stakeholders on this important issue. Finally, on this occasion, as I believe that this will be the last meeting before the closure of the United States Council presidency, I would like to thank the United States, under the leadership of Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and her team, for its excellent work during its presidency.”
2023-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9409 (2023) · source
“We thank the penholder, France, for its tireless efforts to strike a sensitive balance in the text of resolution 2695 (2023), taking into consideration feedback from the ground, voices from the host State and the region and various views in the Security Council. The activities of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are carried out for security and stability in southern Lebanon and to support the people who live there. Since 2006, UNIFIL has conducted its operations in accordance with the mandate it was given in resolution 1701 (2006). As UNIFIL finds itself in an ever-more challenging environment, it is imperative for the Council to support its irreplaceable function in Lebanon and the region.”
2023-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9409 (2023) · source
“I conclude by reaffirming Japan’s commitment to engage constructively in the discussion and to contribute to sustainable peace in Mali and beyond.”
2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source
“In that connection, we underscore the obligation of the Malian authorities and foreign security personnel to comply with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, in all its operations. The deteriorating security situation in Mali and its effect on the region require closer attention by the Security Council. The Council must continue its engagement with the Malian authorities and regional actors. Safeguarding and promoting the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement and ensuring the return to constitutional order by March 2024 are crucial. Japan emphasizes the importance of the continued involvement of the entire United Nations system, including UNOWAS, and notes the call for the requisite financial and resource arrangements.”
2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source
“At the same time, we are deeply concerned to learn that some tasks performed by the Mission may not be handed over, owing to the compressed timeline for the Mission’s withdrawal. We call on the Malian authorities, the Mission, the United Nations country team, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and other relevant stakeholders to closely coordinate and collaborate further in the coming months. Thirdly, with regard to the importance of adhering to international obligations, Japan notes that MINUSMA’s tasks will be transferred primarily to the transitional Government. At the same time, the capacities of the United Nations to deliver humanitarian aid and support the protection of civilians and human rights will be severely affected by the Mission’s rapid withdrawal.”
2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source
“First, concerning the orderly and safe withdrawal of the Mission, Japan is deeply disturbed by attacks on withdrawing MINUSMA convoys and the restrictions imposed on MINUSMA, including on freedom of movement and access to their imports and exports. While recognizing the frequent consultations held at various levels on the withdrawal process, Japan reiterates its call on the Malian authorities to cooperate fully with the United Nations and stresses the need to respect all provisions of the status-of-forces agreement until the final element of MINUSMA has departed from Mali. Secondly, with regard to the smooth and proper transfer of MINUSMA’s tasks, long-term United Nations engagement in Mali is essential, and Japan commends ongoing efforts for the transfer.”
2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wane and Ms. Abouya for their insightful briefings. I also welcome the participation of the representative of Mali at this meeting. We are at a critical juncture for the peace and stability of Mali and the Sahel region. We are already seeing the adverse impact of the hasty withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The deteriorating security situation around the Ber camp is deeply concerning. The 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali is the only existing framework to achieve durable peace and reconciliation and must be upheld. Japan calls on all parties to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the Agreement. Today I want to reiterate three points, as MINUSMA withdraws from Mali.”
2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source
“Finally, yet importantly, Japan welcomes the adoption of the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 77/298) by consensus in June. We believe the spirit of consensus enables us to express our united will and commitment on global counter-terrorism efforts.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, we emphasize the importance of appropriate prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters and their families. We need to make efforts to strengthen local administration capacities, thereby reducing their vulnerabilities to terrorism and violent extremism. Japan has supported capacity- building assistance through United Nations agencies in areas, including border control, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration and maritime security. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. We will spare no efforts to prevent and counter terrorism, which is integral to maintaining the foundation of the free and open international order based on the rule of law.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“We encourage all Member States to apply risk- based anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations to virtual asset service providers in line with resolution 2462 (2019). Secondly, Japan remains deeply concerned about the misuse of technology by terrorists. In particular, as we are all aware, the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been remarkable. In June, Japan hosted a side-event with the Office of Counter- Terrorism, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, CTED and Australia during counter-terrorism week to facilitate discussions on the malicious use of generative AI for terrorist purposes. Japan is committed to leading discussions in that sphere, including through the Hiroshima AI Process, towards a human-centric and trustworthy AI.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“As pointed out in the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat (S/2023/568), developments in parts of Africa and the activities of ISIL-Khorasan in Afghanistan remain of deep concern. I will highlight the following three key areas, which we believe are necessary to prevent and counter the threat of terrorism. First, we should continue to address the financing of terrorism, including through emerging technologies such as virtual assets. Japan supports the initiatives of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on accelerating global implementation of the FATF standards on virtual assets.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Voronkov and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) Natalia Gherman for their briefings. Also, I join others in thanking Ms. Farida Khalaf for her brave testimony to the Council about unimaginable hardships, including her personal hardships, under the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). We stress the importance of cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. Despite the progress made in targeting its financial operations and leadership, the threat posed by ISIL and its regional affiliates remains high.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“Last week Japan was proud to announce its new grant of humanitarian assistance, in cooperation with UNRWA, amounting to $1 million in the areas of sanitation, health and response to unexploded ordnance, which will contribute meaningfully to those efforts.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“There is ultimately no alternative to a two- State solution whereby Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully side by side, in line with internationally agreed parameters, including resolution 2334 (2016). Japan will never cease its efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Despite some recent generous contributions and pledges, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is still facing significant funding shortages, which may limit its ability to provide life-saving support to Palestine refugees. After last month’s Israeli military incursion in Jenin, President Abbas has vowed to help rebuild the refugee camp there.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“Unilateral actions, such as Israel’s illegal settlement activities and demolitions of Palestinian homes, as well as acts of terror by Palestinian militants, only fuel tensions on the ground and take us further away from a sustainable solution. We urge all the parties to exercise maximum restraint and commit to de-escalation. As we have repeatedly stressed, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be resolved only through direct talks and negotiations between the parties. We acknowledge the recent meeting in Egypt that explored reconciliation efforts among Palestinian factions and encourage the continuation of such diplomatic engagements aimed at bringing the parties together and contributing meaningfully to the revitalization of a comprehensive peace process in the region.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing. As we just heard from Mr. Wennesland, we have seen a significant surge of violence in the West Bank in the absence of a tangible peace process. Japan is deeply troubled by the operations of the Israeli forces, including the recent raid in Jericho, which led to the killing of two Palestinians, including a 16-year-old boy. At the same time, we were shocked to learn about the murder of an Israeli security guard, shot by a Palestinian gunman in Tel Aviv earlier this month. Japan strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and the targeting of innocent people and emphasizes the importance of the protection of civilians, especially children. All perpetrators of heinous crimes must be held accountable.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“As stated by the overwhelming majority of the General Assembly, Russia’s aggression is a clear violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. There are calls for a political solution for peace. A diplomatic solution cannot be reached by inflicting damage on one side. Peace prevails based on justice and the principles of the Charter in order for it to last. Russia must stop its hopeless attempt to deceive the international community. It will never be able to justify its outrageous act. Instead, it should fulfil its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council. The Russian Federation should withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9390 (2023) · source
“I thank the briefers for their briefings. This is the sixth time that the Security Council is discussing the Ukraine-related issue this month. It is regrettable that Russia has been consuming Security Council resources by simply requesting the same number of Council meetings as those requested by the countries that accuse Russia. Instead, Russia should have taken the floor at the previous meeting on Ukraine, on Wednesday (see S/PV.9386). Russia seems to have requested today’s meeting to blame Ukraine for not being able to reach a political solution to end Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. However, we should never lose sight of the root cause. We all know the indisputable fact that, if Russia had not initiated the current aggression, the tragedy we are witnessing now would have never happened.”
2023-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9390 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, I extend my gratitude for today’s opportunity to express our appreciation to the troops for their valuable work, and to exchange views in order to strengthen our partnership on this crucial aspect of peacekeeping.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“The protection of civilians is an indispensable force enabler for missions, but we also know that its implementation is often understood to pose risks to the safety and security of peacekeepers. I join others in expressing our condolences to the Government and the people of Ghana and of other countries on the loss of their peacekeepers. The Security Council and Council members share the responsibility with other stakeholders to take that into consideration and to ensure that missions and peacekeepers are adequately prepared to effectively carrying out the protection-of- civilians mandate by guaranteeing their own safety and security at the same time.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“How can military components contribute to whole-of-mission efforts to create and keep protection-of-civilians mechanisms during and after transitions, and what could the Security Council do in order to make military components’ contributions more effective? Finally, as all of the briefers mentioned, training and capacity-building for peacekeepers are always important. Implementing the protection of civilians requires peacekeepers to have solid discipline, the right mindset and a deep understanding of local dynamics, especially when it comes to prevention and pre-emption. To provide needed training and capacity- building, it is necessary to know the capability gaps that peacekeepers have in that undertaking. I would be keen to learn about the briefers’ insights into crucial capability gaps.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“Given his experience in tackling misinformation and disinformation, how will military components embrace and adapt to those unique challenges, including those incurred by misinformation and disinformation, when engaging in prevention and pre-emption? Secondly, more missions have been facing transitions lately. Mechanisms established by peacekeeping missions for the protection of civilians, such as community engagement for early warning, must be maintained throughout any transition, regardless of how short the given time frame. In that connection, my questions are directed, in particular, to Lieutenant General Rodrigues De Miranda Filho and Lieutenant General Subramanian.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“I echo the statement made by the representative of Switzerland that the larger trend of rapid technological development, including the expansion of artificial intelligence, will soon affect missions in both a positive and a negative way. In the meantime, missions are acquiring new capabilities, such as peacekeeping intelligence. Data gathering and analysis matter a great deal. Japan looks forward to engaging further in establishing the Peacekeeping Intelligence Academy on top of the C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations, as part of our commitment to seize new opportunities. My question, directed in particular to Major General Lázaro Sáenz, is about threat mitigation.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“Here, the military components contribute not only at Tier II, through the provision of physical protection, but also at the other tiers by accessing volatile and sometimes hostile areas and conducting broader protection-of-civilians efforts on behalf of the mission. In the light of that, Japan’s intervention today will focus on the military components’ role in prevention and pre-emption. First, as Under-Secretary-General Lacroix said in his briefing, opportunities and threats brought about by a mixture of emerging technologies and asymmetric terrain are a unique feature that peacekeeping missions face. The spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media is only one aspect of the challenges.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Lacroix and the Force Commanders for their briefings. Through them, I thank their troops for their valuable work to implement the mandates crafted by the Council. Japan attaches high importance to the protection of civilians. Although the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians falls to host Governments, the international community should also make the utmost effort to support them. We applaud peacekeeping missions for playing their part. Peacekeeping missions need to take a whole-of- mission approach to the protection of civilians. All components in peacekeeping, from military and police to civilian, can and should utilize their respective strengths to contribute to the implementation of a protection-of-civilians mandate.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“The suffering we are seeing in Ukraine and around the world is the result of Russia’s unprovoked aggression. Russia must stop it and withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine immediately, completely and unconditionally.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“Japan affirms that any harm to cultural heritage is utterly unacceptable and strongly urges all parties involved to honour all the pertinent international instruments, including resolution 2347 (2017) and the UNESCO 1954 Hague Convention, together with its two Protocols. We want to express our gratitude to UNESCO for its unwavering support to the Ukrainian authorities in safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Japan has contributed more than $4.5 million to UNESCO to assist it in its activities in Ukraine, such as enabling satellite monitoring of priority areas and repairs to damaged sites. Our commitment to supporting Ukraine in protecting and preserving its cultural heritage and properties remains steadfast. Let us be unequivocal.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“The aggression’s grievous impact on civilians has been compounded by Russia’s recent missile strike on Odesa, which resulted in civilian casualties and damaged a number of significant cultural sites that are protected under the World Heritage Convention, including the Cathedral of the Transfiguration. According to UNESCO, as many as 270 cultural sites in Ukraine have been damaged since Russia’s hostilities began, including religious sites, museums, historically significant buildings, monuments, libraries and more. Cultural heritage embodies the unique identity and history not just of a nation but of humankind at large. Attacking and damaging cultural heritage is therefore equivalent to attacking peoples’ distinctive identities.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“Russia’s reprehensible actions clearly demonstrate its relentless strategy of using global food supplies as a weapon, with severe consequences for vulnerable people all over the world. Since Russia left the Black Sea Grain Initiative, reports say that grain prices have risen rapidly. The Council must do everything it can to alleviate the situation as soon as possible. Japan once again condemns Russia’s actions, which are holding the rest of the world hostage while it blames others for the crises it has created by its aggression. We would also like to remind the Council that the destruction of civilian infrastructure may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Khiari for his briefing. After Russia’s termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative last week, its aggression against Ukraine has continued and in some cases intensified. Russia has used heavy weaponry to target civilian infrastructure, including grain stores in Odesa, and has also launched drone attacks on grain-storage facilities in Reni, which is located approximately 200 metres from Romania, across the Danube. Moreover, it has unjustly marked all vessels bound for Ukrainian ports as potential carriers of military cargo, which means that Ukrainian grain facilities and civilian shipping across the Black Sea may also be targeted. It is reported that Russia has placed more sea mines near Ukrainian ports.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“In tackling those challenges and ensuring long-term peace and stability, people must be placed at the centre and given a sense of ownership, and Governments must build strong and robust institutions to provide for their well-being. Recognizing the importance of human security, Japan has long provided development and institution-building assistance to the region. I conclude by reiterating our commitment to continuing to work with bilateral, regional and international stakeholders for a stable and prosperous West Africa and Sahel.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“We stress the need to respect human rights in all security operations and urge the Mali transitional authorities to coordinate with their neighbours and with regional partners to avoid a security vacuum. A collective, holistic, and transnational security approach is necessary to combat violent extremists and terrorists, who operate across borders. In addition, we should not forget that the deterioration of the security situation in the Sahel is having a negative impact on neighbouring countries, including several coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea. Continued insecurity has increased the already- severe humanitarian needs, with widespread food insecurity, displacement and school closures, as we just heard from the briefers. On top of that, the effects of environmental degradation and climate change are deeply worrisome.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source