YouSaid · the spoken record

Takasu

lines on the record: 863
first: 1998-08-13
most recent: 2010-07-21
sittings or episodes: 125
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

“Their mandates now cover providing protection to civilians, supporting humanitarian assistance and coordinating international support for socio-economic stability. Such mandates require diverse skills and expertise, and significant changes must be made in the way they are implemented. Obviously, when the Council takes action that includes a mandate for the protection of civilians, it creates expectations. If those expectations are not met, that leads to criticism and disappointment about the apparent under-implementation of mandates. It is primarily the responsibility of the Council, and not of the Secretariat, to rectify that situation and decide what the changes should be. We have seen many successful cases of peacekeeping operations, but we have also experienced disappointments.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“Due to rapid changes in the operational environment, United Nations peacekeeping efforts are now facing challenges. The nature of conflicts and threats has changed. Missions are increasingly confronted with non-State actors, who have little respect for international law and threaten the stability of entire regions, employing sophisticated tactics and ever-more-lethal weapons. United Nations workers are often the first targets of those actors. The growing complexity and enormity of the tasks that the Council mandates those missions to carry out are also having a serious impact on the performance of missions. Peacekeeping missions are increasingly asked to do much more than traditional tasks such as monitoring ceasefire agreements.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Under-Secretaries-General Le Roy and Malcorra and Special Representative Hedi Annabi for their extremely useful introductory statements. United Nations peacekeeping operations, which were invented out of necessity, have now played a central role over 60 years now in restoring stability in countries emerging from conflict. I would like to pay tribute to all those who have ever served on those missions over the years. At the moment, there are 90,000 uniformed military and police and 20,000 civilian personnel serving around the world. Many dedicated men and women have given very selflessly of themselves. Launching a peacekeeping mission is one of the most effective measures that the Council can take to promote peace and security.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“It is also important to advance Somalian ownership of the process by building the capacities of the Transitional Federal Government at the federal and local levels. The joint transitional security forces and the police should be supported by the international community. We have recently contributed to the improvement of the Somali security sector and the country's border control by providing $5 million through the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Development Programme. With the concrete support of the international community, durable peace and stability should be promoted on the ground.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“Japan considers it important that the package, requested by the Security Council, be carefully reviewed by the General Assembly in the light of previous resolutions. Furthermore, the proposed logistical support package should be implemented in a transparent and accountable manner, in accordance with the relevant United Nations rules and regulations. Lastly, I would like to reaffirm the importance of promoting the political process, which is key to bringing about peace and security. Japan supports the Djibouti peace process, which should be given additional impetus and facilitated in a more secure environment. We hope that a strengthened AMISOM will contribute to this political process. We expect the United Nations to take a coherent approach, including through the role of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“It is also important to respect the competence of the General Assembly on the financial and administrative aspects of United Nations peacekeeping operations and other activities, such as AMISOM, which are authorized by the United Nations but implemented by non-United Nations entities. Japan would have serious reservations about compromising the principle of financing only the expenses of United Nations activities through mandatory assessments, particularly if that is done by the Security Council. In that regard, the resolution just adopted requests the Secretary-General to provide a logistical support package for AMISOM. so that its forces can be incorporated into a United Nations peacekeeping operation.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“We will actively participate in the discussion in the Council aimed at deciding on the possible deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia, fully taking into account all relevant considerations. As a responsible member of the Council, Japan believes that it is of the utmost importance that such a decision be made after careful consideration of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed deployment, so that the decision will be effectively implemented. My second point concerns logistical support. I would like to stress the importance of respecting the established rules and mechanisms of the United Nations, as clearly provided for in the Charter, including in its Article 17.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“It is the Council, not the Secretary- General or the Secretariat, that should take the primary responsibility for the consequences of the decision. In resolution 1327 (2000), the Council confirmed its determination to give peacekeeping operations clear, credible and achievable mandates. The Council has also undertaken to ensure that the mandated tasks of peacekeeping operations are appropriate to the situation on the ground, including such factors as the prospects for success. Japan will study most closely the assessment that the Secretary-General will submit in his April report, including with regard to developments in the political and security situations in Somalia.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“On this occasion, I would like to emphasize two principles that are important for my delegation, concerning the establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation and extending United Nations support to an operation authorized but not necessarily established by the Security Council. First, the United Nations has learned many important lessons over the years in various peacekeeping operations throughout the world. In Somalia itself, the United Nations has learned hard lessons from its previous engagement in authorizing a multinational force and from earlier peacekeeping missions. Among those many lessons, one is strikingly important and cannot be overemphasized. When the Council takes a decision to establish a new operation, it must be not only desirable, but also effectively possible to implement.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“Japan supports a two-stage approach to bringing about peace and stability in Somalia. In the first stage, AMISOM. would be strengthened and then, as the necessary conditions are developed, a United Nations peacekeeping operation would be established in the second. Therefore, we are pleased to join in the unanimous adoption of resolution 1863 (2009), and we appreciate the leadership role played by the United States in particular. The Council has confirmed its intention to establish a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia as a follow-up force to AMISOM, subject to a further decision by 1 June, based on consideration of the report of the Secretary-General to be issued by 15 April.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“With regard to bringing about peace and stability in Somalia and the region, we appreciate the important role played by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the States Members of the African Union, and recognize the need to strengthen the Mission. Initially, in his latest relevant report (8/2008/709) and in various letters, the Secretary-General recommended that the establishment of a multinational force would be an appropriate option in view of the situation on the ground. Subsequently, in his most recent letter, dated 19 December 2008 (8/2008/804), the Secretary-General offered his assessment that supporting AMISOM. operations would pave the way for the eventual deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, subject to progress in the political process and an improvement in the security situation.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“Before speaking in explanation of vote, I would like to join others in paying a warm tribute to our departing friend, Ambassador Khalilzad, an extremely capable representative of the United States. We are very pleased and fortunate to have worked with him, albeit briefly. I wish him every success in his future endeavours. Japan shares the serious concern over the situation in Somalia: first, over the lack of political stability and security; and secondly, over the continuing piracy and armed robbery off its coast. Concerted and intensified efforts by the international community are essential to address those concerns.”
2009-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6068 (2009) · source
“The calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian assistance and intensified efforts for arrangements and guarantees for a ceasefire in Gaza, as contained in the resolution, must be heeded and implemented immediately and faithfully by all concerned in order to stop the cycle of violence and restore calm, normalcy and safe living conditions in and around Gaza. Japan hopes that this resolution will help create conditions to renew efforts for putting the peace process back on track, in accordance with the principles laid out in resolution 1850 (2008) to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6063 (2009) · source
“It also calls for the unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance. In the meantime, we were shocked to hear today about a tragic incident - an attack against a United Nations vehicle, killing United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) contract workers and injuring others and forcing UNRWA to suspend its operations. We extend our deepest condolences to their families. This incident, along with other similar incidents, underlines the need for the ceasefire to be put in place immediately and permanently.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6063 (2009) · source
“Japan was pleased to join in the adoption of resolution 1860 (2009), which we believe will contribute to the cessation of violence in and around the Gaza Strip. We consider it important that the Security Council was able to discharge its heavy responsibility by taking, with the broadest political support, a formal decision on the grave and serious situation in Gaza, after intensive consultations over the past few days. We applaud in particular the tireless efforts and leadership of Arab foreign ministers and the foreign ministers of France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, which made it possible to achieve this important outcome. The resolution above all stresses the urgency of the situation and calls for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6063 (2009) · source
“We also welcome the recent adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 63/139, designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day in order to raise public awareness about humanitarian activities worldwide. In conclusion, Japan has consistently been a strong supporter of and one of the top donors to UNHCR, and we are very pleased with this. During a recent visit by the High Commissioner, my Government conveyed to him its continued support and its recent decision to become the first Asian country to accept refugees from Myanmar for resettlement. I wish to commend the High Commissioner for his strong leadership in addressing the issue of displacement effectively by making UNHCR a more decentralized and field-oriented organization. We hope to see UNHCR engaging even more effectively in its vitally important activities to assist people.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“We wonder if this relates to the problems emanating from the mandate of the mission itself or the structure and capacity of the mission or support mission to implement these mandates. These are the questions we must answer in detail. We in the Council need to consider actively any improvement we have to make to protect the workers more effectively. We hope that the study jointly commissioned by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the implementation of Security Council mandates on the protection of civilian lives will analyse this issue in depth and come up with recommendations for action.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“It is a source of deep concern that casualties among humanitarian personnel are on the rise and that humanitarian workers are increasingly becoming a target of attack, which is totally unacceptable. We call upon all parties concerned to take appropriate action to secure humanitarian space, fully respecting the neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian assistance. As a matter of great urgency, we must find a way to meet the challenge of securing humanitarian space and the safety and security of all who operate within it. A number of peacekeeping operations authorized by this Council have a mandate to protect humanitarian workers. Many Security Council resolutions contain calls to the relevant parties concerned to secure the safety and security of humanitarian workers. However, we are very often disappointed with the reality.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“Japan has placed emphasis on the empowerment of vulnerable people, particularly refugees and IDPs and the women and children among them, and on an integrated approach by promoting the human security perspective. I am very grateful to the High Commissioner for mentioning that in his closing remarks. We very much look forward to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) continuing to strengthen a people-centred approach in implementing its programme. People must always be at the centre of our attention. The third point is the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. The staff members of UNHCR and partners, implementers and other humanitarian personnel on the ground are selflessly devoting themselves to helping those most in need, very often in difficult and dangerous situations.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“The reintegration of displaced persons should be accorded a higher priority as we develop and implement integrated peacebuilding strategies, which has begun very well in the context of the Peacebuilding Commission. The second issue is finding durable solutions. The protection of those who are forced from their homes is naturally the most urgently needed first step. However, to achieve a durable solution, it is necessary not only to protect but also to empower refugees and IDPs. We believe that assistance for return and reintegration, such as vocational training and education for returnee children, is essential in seeking a durable solution.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“As he noted, we are also all too aware of the negative impact that climate change and the global food crises are having on those refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). We need to address these root causes so that the number of displaced persons does not continue to swell. As the root causes are different in each case, there is no single policy measure which can resolve the issue worldwide. However, particularly in the context of the Security Council's responsibility, I am convinced that conflict prevention is one of the most effective measures to reduce displacement. Peacebuilding efforts to prevent the recurrence of conflict are indispensable to addressing protracted refugee situations.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“I thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his briefing. It is timely and useful, as the plight of over 40 million people displaced from their homes remains precarious and serious in many parts of the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Darfur, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere. In addition, there are 26 million people displaced by natural disasters. This morning, I should like to comment on three issues. The first is the root causes of displacement. As the High Commissioner has pointed out, the tragic phenomenon of displacement is growing increasingly complex. More and more people are being forced to move not only because of conflicts and persecution, but also as a result of extreme poverty, natural disasters and environmental degradation.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“Peace and stability will be attained not through violence, but through political and diplomatic means. We fully support the principles laid out in Security Council resolution 1850 (2008). A lasting peace will only be achieved through an enduring commitment to mutual recognition, freedom from violence, incitement and terror, and the two-State solution, building upon previous agreements and obligations. We must continue to encourage the moderate forces that seek peace. Japan, along with others in the international community, stands ready to support the parties in their efforts to achieve peace. We sincerely hope that the political process will soon again be on track to realize a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source
“All necessary humanitarian and economic aid should be allowed to go unhindered through the crossings. The crossings into Gaza need to be reopened, under legitimate control, in order to allow necessary supplies to reach the population in need and to provide medical treatment for the injured. In opening the crossings, we are concerned about the smuggling of arms into Gaza, which undermines the safety of crossings as well as the security of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. Effective measures need to be taken to prevent such illegal smuggling of weapons. Japan believes that it is important for the Security Council to address these serious issues and forge a unified voice urgently. Japan is committed to playing a constructive role in resolving the situation speedily.”
2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source
“We very much hope that these efforts will bear fruit very soon. We also need to address urgently the dire humanitarian situation. Japan sympathizes deeply with the innocent civilians who are suffering in Gaza. Prime Minister Aso requested Prime Minister Olmert to take necessary measures to allow humanitarian supplies into Gaza. On 3 January, Prime Minister Aso called President Abbas to express his full support for the President and to convey Japan's condolences to the Palestinian victims. We support Palestinian unity under the leadership of President Abbas. The people in Gaza require immediate humanitarian assistance, and Japan will provide $10 million in aid, of which $3 million will be provided immediately through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”
2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source
“To that end, Japan calls on Israel to exercise the utmost self- restraint. Foreign Minister Nakasone has spoken with Foreign Minister Livni, and Prime Minister Aso spoke with Prime Minister Olmert, calling for an immediate ceasefire. At the same time, Japan strongly calls on Palestinian militants and Hamas to stop attacks from the Gaza Strip against Israel. Japan appreciates and strongly supports the regional and international intermediary efforts by concerned countries to achieve the immediate cessation of violence - most notably, the efforts on the part of President Mubarak of Egypt, the Prime Minister of Turkey, President Sarkozy of France and other political leaders, including those of the European Union, the United States and Russia. We also appreciate the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy and representatives.”
2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source
“Japan is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in and around the Gaza Strip. We are particularly concerned that Israeli ground troops operations are continuing in the Gaza Strip, despite urgent calls from the international community for a ceasefire. It is regrettable that there are so many Palestinian civilian casualties every day. At the same time, Japan deplores the rocket attacks against Israel from the Gaza Strip that preceded current events and are still continuing, causing serious harm to civilian life in southern Israel. We must make every effort urgently to achieve an effective ceasefire to give assurance of calm in the area. A ceasefire can be effective only when it is immediate, permanent and fully respected. The cycle of violence must come to an end and further increases in civilian casualties must be prevented.”
2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source
“I would like to thank the French presidency for organizing today's extremely important meeting on the serious situation in and around Gaza. Since this is my first formal statement to the Council during the new term, I pledge on this occasion Japan's commitment to promoting global peace and security through the efficient and effective work of the Council. Japan is deeply grateful to the Secretary-General for his statement today, which is extremely useful in addressing the serious security and humanitarian situation on the ground and for guiding our course of action. The participation of President Abbas, Secretary- General Amre Moussa of the League of Arab States and so many ministerial representatives in today's meeting clearly demonstrates the gravity and urgency of the issue at hand.”
2009-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061 (2009) · source
“In closing, I would like to emphasize that it is ultimately the responsibility of the parties themselves to achieve peace. The success of the negotiations depends on their efforts. No one else can assume that responsibility. At the same time, the international community can help to ease the situation, allowing the parties to concentrate on their efforts to achieve peace. Japan expects the leaders in the region to continue the negotiations with unfailing determination. Japan, for its part, will continue to play the role of a responsible and active partner to help realize peace in the region. We look forward to participating in the many efforts of the international community, including the Moscow Conference next year.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The objective of the Conference was to deepen understanding and build mutual confidence between the two sides. Japan has provided over $1 billion in aid to the Palestinian people since the Oslo Accords and stands ready to provide more assistance, in accordance with its pledge of $150 million made at the Paris Conference in 2007. We hope that our efforts will contribute to bringing about the long-awaited peace in the region. Briefly, Japan welcomes the recent positive developments in Lebanon and stresses the importance of the continuous commitment to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) by both Israel and Lebanon. We call upon the parties concerned to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, as called for in resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006).”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Japan is equally committed to support economic development in the Middle East, which is essential to enable the Palestinian people to build a viable and sustainable economy. Japan has promoted the initiative called "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" in order to build an agro-industrial park in the Jordan Valley and to provide job opportunities and facilitate export to the surrounding areas. The project relies on regional cooperation among Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Japan. Moreover, Japan hosted the Fourth Conference for Confidence-Building between the Israelis and the Palestinians in October. The two sides were headed, respectively, by Mr. Meir Sheetrit, Minister of the Interior of Israel, and Mr. Sa'eb Erekat, Head of the Negotiations Affairs Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We call upon Hamas and others to stop any violence and respect the safety of the Israeli people. Japan calls for extending the current ceasefire with an immediate cessation of violence. Also, in order to facilitate the peace process, freezing the settlement activities by the Israelis must be enforced in accordance with phase I of the Road Map. The recent violent acts by the settlers in Hebron revealed a considerable degree of vulnerability in the West Bank. We believe that the rule of law must be respected, and we commend the commitment by the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to strengthen their cooperation in that regard. It is of paramount importance to secure a safe environment for both the Israeli and Palestinian people in which they can live without fear or despair.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We believe the achievements to date will serve as a solid foundation for the peace process going into next year. Japan stands ready to make every effort to support the process. Signs of progress notwithstanding, we are deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions on the ground, especially in the Gaza Strip. The shortage of basic supplies and the restrictions on movement are having an adverse impact on the livelihood of ordinary people. Clearly, tangible improvements in the daily lives of the Palestinian people are essential in order to maintain the momentum of the peace process. To that end, we urge the Israeli authorities to lift the blockade and allow the movement and access of the Palestinian people. At the same time, we must address the issue of rockets and mortars being fired against the Israeli people from Gaza.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It is equally important to create in the region an environment conducive for the peace process to continue without pause. We therefore recognize the significance of the Arab Peace Initiative and the constructive role of each State in the Middle East. We 5 also appreciate the efforts towards the indirect peace talks between Israel and Syria under the auspices of Turkey. We hope that the positive progress shown on all of those fronts will soon culminate in a comprehensive peace in the region. There have been some improvements in the security situation such areas as Jenin and Nablus. This demonstrates the benefits of cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian authorities and reinforces the credibility of the Palestinian Authority under the leadership of President Abbas.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“There have been regular interactions at the highest level between the parties, indicating the seriousness of their commitment to the process. We believe that a comprehensive agreement for the two-State solution is essential for stability and prosperity in the Middle East, and it must address all the core issues such as permanent borders, Jerusalem, security arrangements, refugees and water resources. Peace in the Middle East can be achieved only through negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, based on the principle of land for peace, relevant United Nations resolutions and the agreements reached by the parties. We also support Palestinian unity under the leadership of President Abbas through the national dialogue, which Egypt has made great efforts to promote.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening the open debate on the situation in the Middle East. I would also like to thank Mr. Robert Serry for his insightful briefing. It is timely, as the Security Council has just adopted resolution 1850 (2008). We fully associate ourselves with the resolution, as it contains essential elements for realizing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. We also appreciate the efforts by the Quartet. I would like to reiterate Japan's strong support for and commitment to the Middle East peace process and its support towards the realization of the two-State solution. While difficult challenges for the Middle East peace process remain, we believe that the developments since the Annapolis conference are noteworthy.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For instance, we supported, through ECOWAS, the establishment of national commissions to tackle the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. We also welcome the contributions of the United Nations regional disarmament centres to promoting the regional approach. Japan will continue to support regional and subregional efforts to implement the Programme of Action on small arms, in cooperation with the United Nations. The world is faced with a myriad of challenges that need to be addressed in order to maintain peace and promote prosperity. We are determined to contribute to collective security through Security Council membership starting next year and to continue to devote ourselves fully to maintaining international peace and security.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Regional cooperation in this respect is indispensable. As many conflicts today are characterized as revolving cross-border conflicts, conflict resolution will be partial and incomplete unless it addresses the regional dimension of a conflict and the control of illicit weapons. The control of small arms and light weapons is particularly important, since the proliferation of such weapons prolongs deadly conflicts and has an adverse impact on social stability and long-term development. The Security Council can cooperate closely with regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and others, and work for peace and security, through which a decline in military spending can result.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For instance, electricity supply should be brought to every household, and farmland should be cleared of landmines and employment generated for ex-combatants. The aspiration to social stability and durable peace will then become dominant, and people will eventually beat their swords into ploughshares. Peacebuilding efforts are multifaceted; security sector reform, economic development and the strengthening of governance have to be tackled concurrently. National ownership and self-help are not only a norm, but an irreplaceable key to success. After peace is restored, State-building and reconciliation need to replace intolerance and hatred. The deepening of trust, mutual respect and interdependence among neighbours will prevent a relapse into violent conflict. All disputes should be settled by peaceful and democratic means.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The importance of the control and disarmament of conventional weapons is most acutely felt in post- conflict situations. After a ceasefire agreement is reached, military expenditures often increase rather than go down. Over the course of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, our endeavours need to focus on regulating arms and disarmament in order to achieve a safer and more stable society. The Peacebuilding Commission is uniquely placed to fill gaps and work as a catalyst to marshal resources to bring about peace and development, thereby charting a new horizon for collective security. For a conflict-torn society to be restored to a normal life and the vicious cycle of conflict and poverty to come to an end, that society needs to produce tangible changes in the everyday livelihood of the people.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Furthermore, Japan, together with Colombia and South Africa, has initiated General Assembly resolutions on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. It is our strong belief that peace dividends realized from disarmament efforts will enhance the economic and social development of populations at large and, by easing tensions, have a beneficial effect on a society as well as on its neighbouring countries. Needless to say, peace and security are not automatically given to us; we have to work for them. Constant efforts and a significant amount of resources must be brought together to achieve and sustain them. That is why we need to unite our strength and wisdom to maintain international peace and security and to work to practice tolerance in order to live with one another in peace as good neighbours.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Japan is a determined advocate for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disarmament. Disarmament is one of the top priorities of Japan's foreign policy. We are leading international efforts for nuclear disarmament and the control of conventional arms. We have adopted three non-nuclear principles and a strict policy of non-export of weapons. On the basis of its strong conviction that it is necessary to create a world without nuclear weapons, Japan has initiated the resolution on nuclear disarmament at the General Assembly every year since 1994 and has actively promoted the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- Ban Treaty. In the area of small arms and light weapons, Japan has played a leading role in implementing the Programme of Action since its adoption in 2001.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to commend the laudable initiative of Costa Rica to highlight the importance of disarmament and development at this Security Council debate under the leadership of Nobel laureate President Oscar Arias Senchez. Costa Rica is well known as a country with no standing army and is, therefore, best positioned to take up such an initiative. Strengthening multilateralism and collective security is very close to the heart of our people in Japan. Under its Constitution, Japan has renounced the use of force as a means of settling international conflicts and has followed faithfully the path of peace and development through international cooperation. Japan has spared no effort to mobilize resources for the peace and prosperity of its population domestically and of the world in the international arena.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to suggest that the Secretariat compile a list of good practices with regard to women's participation in reconciliation and peacebuilding processes and consider preparing a handbook to be used in a training programme for peacekeepers and peacebuilding experts. It would also be useful to practitioners on the ground. In conclusion, Japan very much hopes that today's debate will contribute to deepening understanding of this important and crucial issue and to reaffirming our commitment to the objectives of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We have provided support through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security to a number of countries, including Somalia and Afghanistan, in efforts to involve women in reconciliation and creating durable peace. For instance, in Burundi, Japan has been supporting a project through the Fund aimed at strengthening the economic capacity of returnees, displaced women and those in local communities by jointly organizing economic activities for reconciliation and the coexistence of women of different ethnic groups. Such examples offer inspirations to those women who are struggling for survival every day. I am sure that there are many more, similar examples of success throughout the world.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“More effective actions must be taken to protect them from threats to their safety; but, equally, stronger measures to empower them are essential in order to address their needs. Security and judicial sector reform and the rule of law are important, of course. But they should be accompanied by basic social and economic services - such as education, training, microcredit and access to land and property rights - to strengthen the economic capacity of women. What is needed is the human security approach that we have promoted over the years, the essence of which is both to protect people's lives and dignity from serious threats and to empower them to realize their full potential. Women should be viewed as being more than just survivors of conflicts. They can take on the principal role in fostering reconciliation and peacebuilding processes.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“That facilitates the integration of the gender perspective in national institutions and governance, the participation of local women and girls in national decision-making processes and elections, improved reporting of violence against women and victims' access to services such as medical and psychological care. We hope that the Secretary-General will make further efforts to appoint more women as special representatives and special envoys. Ensuring gender-awareness training for peacekeepers continues to be important in efforts to make the policy of zero-tolerance effective. Although we are encouraged by some of the positive developments, we cannot fail to note that much remains to be done. To effectively address the needs of women and girls affected by the pressure of conflict, we have to adopt a comprehensive approach to the problem.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“08-57549 First of all, as a sponsor, we welcome the adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) in June of this year. The resolution recognized sexual violence as a security problem and called on the international community to take concrete steps to tackle widespread sexual violence against women in situations of armed conflict. Ending impunity and providing survivors with the necessary legal protection and remedies will promote the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We hope that the Secretary-General's campaign to end violence against women and the inter-agency action against sexual violence in conflict situations will strengthen actions by the United Nations system. Secondly, we are pleased that women are now more represented in peacekeeping operations, with full-time gender advisers and focal points.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the Security Council has repeatedly stressed the importance of women's equal and full participation in efforts to promote peace. Yet, women have often been excluded from the peace process owing to the lack of political will on the part of society and traditional stereotypes with regard to gender roles. All too often, gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls in the course of conflict hinder their formal representation in peace talks and in the rebuilding of society. The challenge, therefore, is how to utilize the political framework set out in resolution 1325 (2000) to achieve tangible progress in women's lives on the ground. The report (S/2008/622) of the Secretary-General provides us with an overview of the progress made, good practices and existing challenges.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to the delegation of China for organizing this important debate on women, peace and security. I would also like to thank the guest speakers for sharing their experiences this morning. Women can, and should, play a more important role in the process of conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Women are major stakeholders in each of those stages. Women, together with children, are most vulnerable and often severely affected in conflict and instability. Their different perspectives from those of men and their special needs must be better reflected in efforts to achieve durable peace and reconciliation and to rebuild society.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source