YouSaid · the spoken record

Shino

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312
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2023-02-09
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2023-12-21
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un-security-council

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  1. We commend the continuous efforts of the Government of the Central African Republic to engage with armed groups to seek a political solution, and we further welcome the resulting dissolution of several armed groups since the last briefing of the Security Council on the Central African Republic (see S/PV.9265). The ongoing offensive campaign should be accompanied by renewed attempts to bring those still fighting, though now on the defensive, back to the negotiating table. Demonstrating the successful transition of ex- combatants is key to motivating fragmented armed groups to participate in the national DDRR programme. We commend the Government’s efforts made together with international partners to reduce the gap between demobilization and the start of the socioeconomic reintegration process, and for a smooth transition.

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

  2. We also continuously apprehend the human rights violations and abuses committed by armed groups, State agents and other security personnel that were mentioned in the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/442) as allegedly responsible. To change course, the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic must be fully implemented by the signatories and with the highest priority. In that regard, I would like to highlight the following points. First of all, it remains essential to place primary focus on inclusive dialogue and the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration (DDRR) process to achieve sustainable peace in the country.

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

  3. However, it is deeply unsettling to hear of the serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by United Nations peacekeepers. Any allegations should be thoroughly investigated, and a zero-tolerance policy for those heinous acts strictly upheld. The security situation across the Central African Republic remains volatile due to continued military confrontations with armed groups. Violence and hostilities have compelled people to flee their homes, and women and children are suffering the most. Our already deep concerns are compounded by reports of sexual violence, including as a tactic of war, as well as the recruitment and use of children in conflict.

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

  4. I would like to express my gratitude to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Rugwabiza, Executive Director Bahous, African Union Commissioner Adeoye and Mr. Ngatondang for their briefings. I also welcome the presence of Her Excellency Foreign Minister Baipo- Temon from Central African Republic, and other representatives from the States of the region. Let me first commend the continued dedication demonstrated by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in difficult conditions. The consolidation of peace and stability in the Central African Republic needs the effective implementation of MINUSCA’s mandate. In that regard, we welcome ongoing close communication between the Government and the MINUSCA leadership.

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

  5. It is imperative that the international community, including the Council, undertake effective measures aimed at addressing intolerance and promoting reconciliation and peacebuilding in societies marred by conflicts. In the light of that, the draft resolution on tolerance and international peace and security put forth by the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom may serve as a catalyst to encourage and support those endeavours. In that vein, Japan supports the draft resolution. Japan steadfastly reaffirms its commitment to conflict prevention and the establishment of long- lasting peace. The core of those efforts is grounded in the principles of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and ensuring human security.

    2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source

  6. Japan has consistently leveraged such an approach, including through the United Nations trust fund for human security. For example, our recent efforts in East Java, a province in Indonesia known to have suffered from acts of violent extremism, took an integrated approach based on human security among vulnerable individuals and groups. Specific measures included campaigns at the village level to counter violent extremism, preventing recruitment through violent extremism via the Internet, social networking services and other modern technologies and addressing its harmful trap. The project was also aimed at strengthening the education and judicial systems — a key measure in addressing the issues of intolerance, violent extremism and discrimination to build peace.

    2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source

  7. In the Middle East, Japan has undertaken various initiatives to support economic and social development for Palestinians and build confidence among the relevant parties. Those include the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park, the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity flagship project and the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development. Those frameworks can help lay the groundwork for promoting tolerance in the region through economic and social stability. Giving priority to safeguarding and empowering individuals and communities is crucial in the fight against violent extremism, with the ultimate goal of fostering lives characterized by freedom and dignity. Embracing a human security approach therefore emerges as an effective means to do so.

    2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source

  8. Japan recognizes the significant role that community and religious leaders can play to meet that need. Since 2018, Japan has been organizing the Dialogue on Countering Violent Extremism in the Middle East, inviting influential religious figures and Government officials from the region. That Dialogue serves as a platform for participants to explore crucial aspects of combating violent extremism, including recent discussions on developing counter-narratives against it. In the most recent forum, the participants also exchanged views with the Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

    2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source

  9. Given that undeniable reality, it is befitting for the international community, including the United Nations system and in particular the Security Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Economic and Social Council, to now employ a perspective of tolerance as a means to address those issues and thereby advance sustainable development and international peace and security. Diversity can lead to violence if it drives a wedge in a society. Conversely, when paired with tolerance, diversity can serve as a catalyst for promoting the formation of an inclusive society enriched with colourful cultural values. In the light of the diverse nature of our present world, the need to cultivate tolerance and strengthen our resilience against intolerance and violent extremism is evident from that perspective, too.

    2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source

  10. I thank you, Madam President, for organizing this meeting. I also thank the Secretary- General for his intervention and His Eminence Grand Imam Al-Tayeb, His Excellency Archbishop Gallagher and Ms. Ibn Ziaten for their powerful calls for tolerance and peace. Today we find ourselves in a world that is more troubled by violent conflict than at any time since the Second World War, with a staggering 2 billion people living in conflict zones. Intolerance, violent extremism and discrimination are serious factors that fuel the emergence, intensification and repetitive nature of conflicts.

    2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source

  11. In that regard, we acknowledge that the Mechanism continues to fulfil a limited, but indispensable role to hold those responsible accountable. Once again, let me reiterate Japan’s unwavering support for the activities of the Mechanism. We are committed to promoting the rule of law together with fellow Member States and the international judicial institutions, including the IRMCT.

    2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source

  12. Thirty years after its inception, we have finally witnessed the completion of the mandate given by the Security Council to the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. With regard to the other outstanding case, the Kabuga case, we note the Trial Chamber’s decision to adopt the “trial of the facts” procedure. Japan hopes these proceedings will lead to the finding of truth and contribute to future reconciliation. Japan understands that fair and legitimate due process requires time. On the other hand, for victims and societies, justice needs to be done as expeditiously as possible. We encourage the Mechanism to advance its proceedings under a clear and reasonable timeline and to use its accumulated information, evidence and expertise in cooperating with national authorities in their endeavour to end impunity.

    2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source

  13. Japan welcomes the recent arrest of Fulgence Kayishema, long sought for the alleged atrocious murder of over 2,000 Tutsi refugees. As the Secretary-General has stated, “those who are alleged to have committed such crimes cannot evade justice and will eventually be held accountable, even more than a quarter of a century later.” We commend the Prosecutor and his team for their efforts, and we commend South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique and Rwanda for their important support. We hope that the three remaining fugitives will be held accountable in the near future. Another important development is the conclusion of the Stanišić and Simatović case, which is one of the remaining two cases dealt with by the Mechanism.

    2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source

  14. I thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their informative reports and briefings. I would like to express our heartfelt condolences for the passing of Judge Elizabeth Ibanda- Nahamya and our gratitude for her dedication, especially to the Kabuga case. I also extend our sympathy and solidarity to her family, friends and colleagues. During the reporting period, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) has shown progress in the areas of investigation and prosecution. Japan is committed to promoting the rule of law, including the fight against impunity and the pursuit of transitional justice, and therefore supports the role of the Mechanism. We would like to call upon all States to cooperate with the Mechanism.

    2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source

  15. We are committed to the Middle East not only through trade, investment and energy cooperation, but also by ensuring that the principles of the United Nations Charter are upheld, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source

  16. In last year’s presidential statement, the Security Council recognized the importance of cooperation in such areas as counter-terrorism, poverty eradication, maritime security, conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. While regional organizations are best equipped to effectively address regional challenges, there are many complex issues that cannot be resolved by such entities alone. For example, the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, making the upcoming renewal of the cross-border aid mechanism more vital than ever. In the case of Yemen, the United Nations plays a crucial role in resolving the issue of the FSO SAFER oil tanker off the coast, which could prevent an environmental catastrophe in the Red Sea and beyond. Japan will continue to deepen its relations with the Arab world.

    2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source

  17. Prime Minister Kishida visited the Arab League Secretariat in Cairo in April and exchanged views with its Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Aboul Gheit, on the regional and international situations and discussed how to strengthen the international order based on the rule of law. Global challenges are becoming increasingly interrelated, as shown by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which has affected not just Europe but the entire world. In many countries, including in the Middle East, soaring food and fuel prices have struck the lives of the vulnerable the hardest. In this time of great geopolitical upheaval, there has never been a better moment to consolidate the United Nations-Arab League partnership under Chapter VIII of the Charter.

    2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source

  18. I thank His Excellency Mr. Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, for convening today’s meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Ms. Omnia El Omrani for their valuable briefings. I recall that last year, under the previous United Arab Emirates presidency of the Security Council, the Council adopted a presidential statement that welcomed the strong cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States and reiterated the Council’s intention to deepen this relationship (S/PRST/2022/1). Japan welcomes the initiative by the United Arab Emirates to renew the Council’s consideration of this important topic.

    2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source

  19. In a similar vein, Japan also welcomes UNITAD’s support to strengthen the capacity of Iraq’s judicial system, including through the provision of tailored trainings on digital forensics. In conclusion, we reaffirm our full support to UNITAD and our expectation that its mandate implementation will remain supported by a united Security Council.

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

  20. We encourage mutual cooperation between UNITAD and the Team of Experts along with other relevant United Nations entities, as their teamwork should help to ensure the overarching needs of the victims are met. Close cooperation between UNITAD and the Iraqi Government, as well as the Kurdistan Regional Government, is essential to ensuring a successful investigative process, and we were pleased to hear the Iraqi Government’s commitment to maintaining strong cooperation with UNITAD. The launch of the joint working group in March, in which pathways towards the prosecution of crimes committed by ISIL will be regularly discussed, was a significant step towards eventual completion of the Iraqi-led judicial proceedings.

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

  21. Considering the immense suffering those horrendous acts have caused, we hope that those lines of investigation will remain a priority for UNITAD, and we expect that further investigations will lead to justice for victims and survivors. Investigative work into gender-based violence and crimes against children committed by ISIL bears particular importance for us in terms of punishing perpetrators, ending the culture of impunity and helping to eliminate gender-based violence, including sexual violence in conflict. Japan has proudly supported activities by the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict to support victims of such crimes.

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

  22. That work underscores that the rule of law in Iraq and other countries concerned is key to consolidating international peace and security. We welcome the steady progress made over the past six months in the areas that were identified as priorities in the previous report of the Special Adviser (see S/2022/836), including the expansion of investigations into crimes against cultural and religious heritage in Iraq, as well as crimes committed against the Christian community, the Yazidi community, the Kaka’i, Shabak and Shia Turkmen communities and the Sunni community. Another notable advancement is the investigation into the development and the use of chemical and biological weapons by ISIL.

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

  23. I thank Mr. Christian Ritscher, Special Adviser and Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), for the valuable information he furnished the Council with today. Terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds, and the international community must work in unison to eradicate it. Ensuring accountability is a critical pillar of that effort. As the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) still poses a threat to international peace and security, its members must be held accountable for the acts they have committed, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. In that regard, Japan commends the excellent work by UNITAD to support the Iraqi-led process toward that ultimate goal.

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

  24. In particular, the role of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya is essential to acquiring a first-hand, objective and impartial observation of the situation regarding the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Japan has contributed financially to enabling the secretariat to facilitate missions, including support for procuring special vehicles for the periodic rotation system for IAEA staff, bringing our total contribution to the IAEA’s activities to approximately €12 million. Japan continues to support Mr. Grossi’s efforts in a manner that respects Ukrainian sovereignty over its internationally recognized territory.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source

  25. Japan can never accept Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapons, under any circumstances. Other Member States should also refrain from supporting such actions directly or indirectly. Japan reiterates its deep appreciation to Director General Grossi and the secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and continues to support their efforts to strengthen the nuclear safety and security of nuclear material and facilities in Ukraine and applying safeguards to them. We salute the continued presence of the IAEA experts and their focus on ensuring nuclear safety and security at the site during this very difficult time. In that regard, we also commend the ongoing work by the Director General to ensure the nuclear safety and security of the facilities.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source

  26. As the Director General said just now, the situation of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant and its Ukrainian operating staff remains dangerous and precarious, with the seven pillars outlined by him being compromised constantly. We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, its aggression against Ukraine and its continued control over the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Japan strongly urges the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its forces and personnel from the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. We also condemn the signing by the defence ministers of Russia and Belarus of an agreement establishing procedures for the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which further increases tensions, while Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source

  27. Allow me to begin my statement by expressing our sincere appreciation to Director General Grossi for his insightful briefing on the latest developments on the ground. We reaffirm our support for the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security and highlight the importance of ensuring and promoting the safety and security of nuclear facilities under any circumstances. We once again express our gravest concern about Russia’s grossly irresponsible seizure and militarization of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. That poses a serious threat to the nuclear safety and security of not only Ukraine but also Europe and the entire world.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source

  28. With that in mind, Japan has heard the calls, including from the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, to establish an independent institution to determine the fate of the missing. We support the objectives of such an institution and are ready to engage constructively to ensure that it will be accountable and effective.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source

  29. In that context, we welcome the Syrian Government’s three-month extension of its approval for the two additional crossings at Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai for emergency humanitarian assistance, including earthquake relief. Resolution 2672 (2023) on the cross- border aid mechanism should again be extended in July so that all aid modalities, including early-recovery and cross-line assistance, can continue. As members of the Security Council, we should continue to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. The Syrian Government should not be granted immunity for what it has done to its own people, even given the new regional dynamics. That is particularly true with regard to the issue of missing persons, as the fate of more than 100,000 people remains unknown.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source

  30. Syrians remain desperately in need of aid. On top of the devastation of war, many are still suffering from the damage caused by the earthquakes earlier this year. Japan recently announced an additional $14.3 million in assistance to build earthquake resilience by conducting damage assessments of buildings and restoring critical infrastructure in Aleppo and Latakia. As a country that has suffered through many earthquakes in the past, Japan truly understands the feelings of the Syrians affected and is willing to consider additional assistance that responds to the needs on the ground. It will be vital to ensure smooth humanitarian access to the devastated areas.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source

  31. Our thanks go to Special Envoy Pedersen, Ms. Mudawi and Ms. Aveline for their briefings. The politics in the region have shifted notably with the decision of the League of Arab States to readmit Syria amid a reduction in tensions in the Middle East. Japan appreciates the efforts by Arab countries to improve the situation in Syria, in particular the Jeddah Arab League summit and the meeting held earlier this month in Amman between the Foreign Ministers of Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iraq. In the changing regional dynamics, what remains important is that the Syrian Government take specific actions to improve the humanitarian situation and implement its obligations under resolution 2254 (2015). In that regard, Japan will continue to call directly on the Syrian Government to take constructive and tangible action.

    2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source

  32. On Japan’s part, Prime Minister Kishida recently held a summit meeting in Tokyo with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. The two leaders stressed the need for both parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unilateral actions. Ultimately, the conflict will be resolved only through direct negotiations between the parties to achieve a two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine existing side by side in peace, security and mutual respect. Japan supports every effort to achieve that goal.

    2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source

  33. Leni Stenseth, emphasized the crucial role that the Agency plays in providing fundamental social services, including health and education, to Palestinian refugees. With UNRWA facing a serious funding shortfall, Japan highlights the importance of the pledging conference to be held on 2 June and calls on all Member States to support the Agency in continuing its essential work. We condemn the ongoing unacceptable unilateral acts by both parties. Japan calls on Israel to immediately stop settlement expansion, demolitions, forced transfers, evictions, settler violence and military incursions. We also call on Palestinian militant groups to stop attacks on Israeli civilians and to refrain from attacking Israel with rockets.

    2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source

  34. The Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority must refrain from provocations, including incitement to violence, and should work together in a constructive manner. Japan continues to be one of the largest donors to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This year we are commemorating the seventieth anniversary of Japan’s partnership with the Agency. It was in 1953, even before Japan joined the United Nations itself, that we made our first financial contribution to the Agency, at a time when Japan was still struggling to overcome the ravages of war. Last week we hosted an event at which UNRWA’s Deputy Commissioner-General, Ms.

    2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source

  35. I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland and Ms. Tania Hary for their briefings. The most important recent development is last week’s ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, ending days of violence during which many were killed or wounded. Japan commends Egypt, along with Qatar, Lebanon and the United States, for their roles in brokering the ceasefire, and we are encouraged that it has largely held. The Security Council should call on all sides to observe the ceasefire and maintain its efforts to ensure that the agreement will improve regional peace and security in a sustainable manner. The numbers of casualties that we have seen this year are totally unacceptable. We urge all parties to implement the commitments outlined in the communiqués that came out of the five-party talks in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh.

    2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source

  36. Lastly, UNAMI has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting Iraq over the past 20 years. UNAMI’s efforts to promote national and regional dialogue have contributed significantly to the stability of Iraq and the region. Even two decades after its mandate was given, UNAMI’s role is still essential. We, the Security Council, should have continuing discussions on that matter and seek the best approach for UNAMI and the United Nations entities in supporting the Government and the people of Iraq to realize stability and prosperity. Japan will continue to provide its full support for UNAMI’s work.

    2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source

  37. Japan also welcomes the close cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, as the Special Representative mentioned in her update. Furthermore, Iraq’s constructive role in building regional confidence continues to be an anchor for peace and stability in the region. In that regard, we recall with appreciation the mediation efforts by Iraq, along with other actors, that helped lay the groundwork for the agreement to normalize relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. No attack against the territory of Iraq, including in the Kurdistan region, should occur. A prerequisite for peace and stability in Iraq, as well as for good neighbourliness in the region, is to ensure full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source

  38. With regard to the provincial council elections, we join the Secretary-General in welcoming the Government’s intent to hold them before the end of 2023, and we echo his view that transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process are critical. It is encouraging to see Iraq’s proactive engagement with its neighbouring countries and the international community at all levels. Concerning the issue of climate-related water scarcity, for example, Iraq’s hosting of the third Baghdad International Water Conference and its participation in the United Nations 2023 Water Conference are illustrations of its willingness to utilize dialogue in order to explore solutions on that critical and sensitive cross-regional challenge. That continued engagement should be backed up by the Security Council.

    2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source

  39. I thank Ms. Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), and Ms. Khanim Latif for their briefings. In Iraq, we have witnessed steady political progress and a significant improvement in the security situation since last October, when the current Government was formed. In particular, the Government of Iraq’s expeditious planning and implementation of economic and fiscal reforms and anti-corruption commitments are commendable. The Security Council should encourage the Government of Iraq to make every effort to ensure that those initiatives benefit all people in Iraq, including women, young people and internally displaced people.

    2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source

  40. In the G-7 Foreign Ministers’ communiqué issued in April, we, as Chair, joined our fellow G-7 countries in calling on all relevant parties and the international community to support the implementation of the FSO SAFER plan. We commend the work of the United Nations Development Programme in accelerating the project thus far and ask other United Nations agencies to further collaborate in order to fill the financial gap, since we all have a stake in preventing a potential disaster. Now is the time to make critical progress in bringing this environmental, humanitarian and global economic crisis to an end at last. We must seize the momentum and not let this chance slip away.

    2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source

  41. I would like to recall the fact that the Group of Seven (G-7) Foreign Ministers called on the Houthis to lift any impediments to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially with regard to women and girls. The Security Council should underscore the importance of the continuing humanitarian assistance to Yemen. As political stability needs to be underpinned by economic stability, the international community must effectively contribute to achieving stability and economic recovery. Regarding the FSO SAFER, we appreciate the initiatives of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in hosting the pledging conference on 4 May.

    2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source

  42. Inclusivity in communications among the parties is crucially important, and we commend efforts being made by all the Yemeni stakeholders to transcend their different political and historical backgrounds. In addition to inclusivity, the implementation in good faith of the agreement made during the United Nations-mediated and Yemeni-owned political process is essential to achieving long-term stability. The Security Council should consider how best it can ensure such implementation going forward. As we talk about progress on the political track, let us not look away from the suffering of the Yemeni people who are enduring the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

    2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source

  43. I thank Special Envoy Grundberg, Director Wosornu and Ms. Al-Eryani for their briefings. We are encouraged to hear of the valuable steps taken towards a comprehensive ceasefire and inclusive Yemeni political talks under the auspices of the United Nations. Japan echoes the Security Council press statement last month (SC/15272) in welcoming the Saudi Arabian and Omani delegations’ recent visit to Sana’a. It is important to ensure that efforts made by the parties to the conflict and regional countries will feed into a United Nations-mediated and Yemeni-owned political process towards a durable peace in Yemen. In that light, we support the critical role of the Special Envoy and his efforts to work with Yemeni and regional stakeholders.

    2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source

  44. We also appreciate the Secretary-General’s report (A/76/890) proposing to establish a new body through the General Assembly to clarify the fate of the missing and to provide adequate support to victims, survivors and the families of those missing, and we will constructively engage on that proposal. There is no magic wand to solve the Syrian crisis, but we must seek to aid those in need while building trust among the parties to finally achieve a political resolution. The Security Council must send a strong and united message that it will not abandon the Syrian people.

    2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source

  45. Only a political settlement can truly resolve the Syrian crisis, and Japan remains committed to the process outlined in resolution 2254 (2015). We therefore regret that the political track remains stalled with no resolution in sight. We urge all relevant parties to constructively engage with the step-for-step approach of Special Envoy Pedersen. We are also concerned that the Constitutional Committee has not been convened in almost a year. That body is an important platform to achieve a comprehensive political solution, and it should not be undermined for any political reasons unrelated to Syria. Finally, the issue of more than 100,000 missing Syrians remains a key concern. Japan is grateful for the Special Envoy’s continued prioritization of this file, including his engagement with the Syrian Government.

    2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source

  46. Given that the majority of people in north-west Syria are utterly dependent on United Nations assistance, we strongly appeal to the Syrian Government to extend its decision. This month, Japan hosted the Group of Seven Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where we reaffirmed our continued support for the earthquake victims and stressed the importance of unhindered humanitarian aid. The recent visit of our colleague Mr. Miyake, Special Coordinator for Syria, to Aleppo with the support of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, gave us first-hand experience of the dire conditions on the ground. We call on international donors to engage more with Syria’s humanitarian response plan in addition to the United Nations flash appeal.

    2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source

  47. I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Doughten for their insightful briefings. The Syrian crisis is now entering its thirteenth year while the devastation stemming from February’s earthquakes continues. The plight of the people of Syria, living amid cholera and lacking shelter, water, and electricity, remains desperate. The opening of the two additional border crossings of Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai since February, in addition to Bab Al-Hawa crossing, has been a lifeline for delivering emergency aid to the affected areas. Still, the scale and lingering effects of the disaster means greater international support is urgently needed. The initial three-month period for those two additional crossings agreed between the United Nations and the Syrian Government will expire in mid-May.

    2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source

  48. As pointed out in the report of the Secretary- General (S/2023/274), addressing security should go hand in hand with resolving political crises, including the holding of free, fair and transparent elections and the establishment of an accountable and effective judicial system. Japan welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the 21 December agreement, including the establishment of the High Transitional Council and the appointment of eight Court of Cassation judges. Concrete and timely implementation of the agreement is essential, and Japan is considering possible support for the elections stipulated in the agreement. To garner further support for the political process, Japan calls on political actors and all stakeholders to participate and achieve progress through dialogue.

    2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source

  49. Japan will continue to support such initiatives as the basket fund managed by the United Nations Development Programme to strengthen the HNP, and we applaud the continued engagement by such regional groups such as the Organization of American States and the Caribbean Community. Japan also recognizes the role of targeted sanctions in addressing insecurity in Haiti. To that end, Japan welcomes, and will engage constructively in, the discussion to strengthen and broaden sanctions, as appropriate, against those who engage in criminal-gang activities and violence, based on listing requests from Member States and through the Panel of Experts.

    2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source

  50. The worsening security situation is alarming, as we observe a rapid increase in the number of cases of kidnapping and violent crime. We deplore that women and children have been subjected to serious crimes, including sexual violence and forced recruitment. Japan underlines the need to protect the most fundamental rights of the people, such as to life, water, food and health, as well as the need to respect the rule of law. In that regard, strengthening the capacities of the Haitian National Police (HNP) is vital, and Japan notes the initiative taken by the Government to procure necessary equipment. Although the main responsibility for stability rests with the Haitian authorities, regional and international initiatives should augment national efforts.

    2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source