YouSaid · the spoken record

Umemoto

lines on the record: 101
first: 2013-04-17
most recent: 2014-07-22
sittings or episodes: 16
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

“The crisis in Gaza underscores the urgent need to achieve a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace. It is important for the international community to overcome the current crisis and foster a proper environment that would allow both the Palestinian and the Israeli parties to resume talks. Japan will continue to assist Palestinian State-building efforts that aim at achieving a two- State solution. The Corridor for Peace and Prosperity and the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development are part of our initiatives. My Mission will elaborate on Japan's assistance at an appropriate occasion in future.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Senior Vice-Minister Kishi conveyed Japan's support for the important role played by Egypt, especially its proposal for a ceasefire and its willingness to work to calm the situation and achieve a lasting ceasefire in coordination with the international community. He will be continuing his Middle East tour and will travel to Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Turkey starting today. Japan will also continue to help address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. In consultation with United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Japan will consider providing humanitarian assistance based on the needs on the ground. Even against that harsh backdrop, we should not lose hope for a two-State solution.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“In that regard, we would like to commend Egypt, the United Nations, the United States and others for their mediation efforts. Japan will play its part in such international efforts to restore a ceasefire. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone today and appealed to him to exercise maximum restraint and to make a courageous decision to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible. Japan's Parliamentary senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nobuo Kishi, has embarked on a trip to the region. Last weekend he had meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shokry in Cairo.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“It is deplorable, that despite efforts by the international community, including the Egyptian proposal and the Security Council's demand for a ceasefire, violence continues and Palestinian militants have not accepted any international peace efforts. Both Israeli and Palestinian civilians face a serious security threat. We profoundly deplore the loss of so many lives among innocent civilians. The current vicious cycle of violence might also pose a great risk to regional peace and security. Japan joins the Council and the Secretary-General in calling for de-escalation and an end to the violence. The international community must speak with one voice to urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint and calm the situation.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“I would like thank you, Sir, for convening today's meeting, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing. I am also grateful to Ambassador Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the Observer State of Palestine, and Ambassador David Roet, Deputy Permanent Representative of Israel, for their statements. The Japanese statement today touches upon two issues: first, on the Middle East peace process and, secondly, on the situation in Syria. For the sake of time, however, I will read out only the first part, as the text will be distributed in the Chamber. Japan is deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, including the launch of an Israeli ground operation in Gaza, and the growing number of casualties.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Japan expects that the three committees will continue to carry out their roles actively, and we will continue to support the efforts of the three committees.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7184 (2014) · source
“After the latest briefings, Japan newly pledged approximately $3 million to support capacity building through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the Middle East and Africa, and to strengthen the legal regime against terrorism, as well as criminal justice and law enforcement capacities. Japan has also conducted dialogues and consultations with several countries to enhance capacities to cope with terrorism and share the practices and lessons learned. Last December, the leaders of Japan and the countries ofthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided to strengthen cooperation in this area at the Japan-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Tokyo. Tomorrow, we are going to hold the ninth Japan- ASEAN dialogue on counter-terrorism in Singapore.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7184 (2014) · source
“In this context, we commend and fully support efforts of the Chair of the 1540 Committee to strengthen its activities, such as raising awareness of the importance of non-proliferation efforts, in particular among high level policymakers. For its part, Japan intends to advance its activities in support of resolution 1540 (2004), inter alia by collaborating with the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts, and in organizing relevant seminars in Tokyo and in New York. I would like to reconfirm Japan's strongest support for and continued commitment to be deeply involved in the long-term process towards the full and universal implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Finally, let me introduce briefly our recent efforts to fight terrorism. Japan has continued support for the international community, especially in the field of capacity-building.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7184 (2014) · source
“Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization. Japan would like to support such ongoing cooperation among the three committees and other relevant organizations. In commemorating the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), Japan highly appreciates the initiative of the Chair of the 1540 Committee to hold an open debate on 7 May (see S/PV.7169) and strongly supports presidential statement S/PRST/2014/7, adopted on that occasion. As many States stated at the open debate, and as mentioned in the presidential statement, resolution 1540 (2004) has played a significant role in promoting the importance of non-proliferation efforts. At the same time, we have to make further and continued efforts with a view to achieving its full implementation.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7184 (2014) · source
“In that context, since the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is now under way, there is no doubt that such an opportunity can serve to enhance awareness of the importance and necessity of counter-terrorism measures and to further promote the efforts of Member States in that regard. Japan has participated in the process in a constructive manner in order to achieve such objectives. I would like to take this opportunity to suggest a renewed focus on the importance of each relevant body working not only individually in an effective manner but also in close coordination with other relevant bodies in order to generate synergy. For example, Japan highly appreciates the initiative of the Chair of the 1540 Committee in organizing the briefing to Member States on 28 February, with the presence of Mr.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7184 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Chairs of the Council's three counter- terrorism committees for their comprehensive briefings. As several other colleagues have mentioned, the threat of terrorism is still a reality. We are all deeply enraged by the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, which has renewed our determination to fight against terrorism. Any violence committed by terrorists against innocent people cannot be justified on any grounds or for any purpose. Japan firmly condemns any act of terrorism. The international community should continue to work together to eliminate all kinds of violence.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7184 (2014) · source
“In closing, let me reiterate that Japan is ready to continue to provide assistance for Security Sector Reform in post-conflict situations.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Rather than putting too much focus on the number and equipment of officers in military and police sections, the international community and the United Nations must pay more attention to and show commitment in supporting an inclusive and nationally led process in designing, planning and developing the security sector so that a wider range of local people may participate in the process of creating new security sectors. This inclusive and participatory process will help local people perceive those institutions as their own military and police, functioning based on the rule of law and not on their affiliations to political leaders. I believe that the United Nations, perhaps through its good offices functions, should and can help and facilitate more such inclusive and participatory process among all stakeholders.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“It was part of a series of seminars on inclusivity in rebuilding States that Japan has co-hosted since last year with Tanzania. In the seminar, prominent panelists consistently emphasized that it was crucial for post-conflict States to invite different political, social and ethnic groups, including traditional leaders and women's groups, into the decision-making and implementation process of building the new security sector. By doing so, these institutions can enjoy legitimacy and impartiality in the local community. The discussions at the seminar clearly suggest that this dimension of inclusivity should receive more attention and focus in the context of United Nations assistance in SSR.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“With regards to this software-related support, I believe that enhancing inclusivity in the security sector, especially in the context of rebuilding post- conflict States, is critical. The reason is simple. If components and members of the military and police are not inclusive enough in the eyes of local people in post-conflict States, those security institutions may be perceived as either biased or serving only specific political groups. This mistrust between local people and the security sector can easily lead to a relapse of violent conflict as we have often witnessed in the past. Recognizing these challenges of inclusivity in SSR, last week, along with the Tanzanian and Slovak Missions, the Japanese Mission co-hosted a seminar entitled "Inclusivity in rebuilding States: focusing on the inclusivity in SSR".”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to express my appreciation to the Nigerian presidency for its leadership in convening today's open debate on an issue that is important for all of us. As other colleagues have mentioned, there is no doubt that security sector reform (S SR) is one of the most significant elements in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Japan fully recognizes its importance and has implemented programmes in the field, such as those in Afghanistan. Let me point out one challenge in dealing with security sector reform. The concept note prepared for this debate prepared by the presidency (S/2014/238, annex) emphasizes that there is an excessive focus on "hardware" issues relating to training and equipping the security sector, compared to efforts to enhance the delivery of "software"-related support.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Although the international community has developed various mechanisms and tools in order to protect civilians in armed conflict, it is difficult in reality to successfully implement them. We must not only establish mechanisms and tools, but also analyse underlying factors that hamper the smooth functioning of those mechanism and tools so that we can increase their effectiveness.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“According to the Secretary-General's report, in 2012, more than 34,700 people were killed or injured by explosive weapons; some 60 per cent of those casualties were caused by improvised explosive devices. Who would not be dismayed by those numbers? The Security Council must make every effort to find possible ways to decrease that lamentable number by looking into the serious consideration of voices from the field where civilians are faced with the real threat of those weapons. While welcoming and recognizing the need to discuss normative and institutional mechanisms to solve those issues, let me stress once again that ongoing crises on the ground around the world require the international community, particularly the Security Council, to take immediate actions and measures to improve the situation in any possible way.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“It is indeed regrettable that Governments or non-governmental military groups frequently obstruct, delay or prevent United Nations humanitarian operations in an arbitrary manner within the territories they control. The serious impact of those cases on civilians requires the continued and urgent attention of the Security Council to act in a visible and concrete way in order to protect humanitarian workers, ensure humanitarian access and mitigate situations of civilians in armed conflict. Another issue that requires the Security Council's immediate attention is the use of explosive weapons, including improvised explosive devices, in populated areas.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“In contexts such as those, ensuring safe, timely and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian goods and equipment and access by humanitarian workers is of the utmost necessity and is essential to the effectiveness of the humanitarian assistance itself. However, in those regions, the efforts of humanitarian workers to reach people in need of assistance and protection are extremely hampered. The issue of humanitarian access is right in front of us. According to the latest report of the Secretary- General (S/2013/689), between May 2012 and August 2013, 134 humanitarian workers were killed, 172 were wounded and 149 were abducted. The kidnapping of humanitarian workers is reported to have quadrupled over the past 10 years. Such attacks against humanitarian workers is really deplorable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“At the outset, let me express my sincere congratulations to Lithuania on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I would also like to thank Ms. Amos, Mr. Ladsous, Ms. Pillay and Mr. Daccord for their respective briefings. Japan concurs and associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. In my statement, I would like to focus on the most urgent and humanitarian aspects of the issues highlighted in the concept note (S/2014/74, annex) prepared by Lithuania. The lives of countless civilians are in deadly peril in such places as Syria, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan and Yemen.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“As I stated earlier, Japan doubts that the Security Council is the most appropriate forum for dealing with individual issues of the past. However, I am obliged to take the floor again in response to the interventions that have just been made and to the statement made by the representative of another delegation after I had delivered my earlier statement. Japan's positions on the relevant points were expressed thoroughly in my original statement this afternoon. I would therefore just like to remind the Council and all participants today of that fact.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“What the international community and the United Nations should do is prepare the ground for such reconciliation. Japan stands ready to continue to proactively contribute to such endeavours together with the international community and the United Nations.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Furthermore, during the recent second Geneva Conference on Syria, Japan announced its plan to extend additional assistance worth $120 million in total to improve the humanitarian situation in Syria. Those are concrete recent actions that Japan has taken to support democratization and national reconciliation. Japan will continue to be a peace-loving nation and contribute even more proactively to securing the peace, stability and prosperity of the international community, as a proactive contributor to peace and on the basis of the principle ofinternational cooperation. Let me finish my remarks by quoting Mr. Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa. Madiba said that reconciliation means working together with your enemy.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“As a country that upholds such universal values as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law, Japan has actively supported efforts towards democracy and national reconciliation in different countries, including those of Asia. One such action is Japan's support for democratization, reconciliation and economic development in Myanmar. Another important case is Sri Lanka, where Japan has actively engaged in national reconciliation and establishing lasting peace. Another project is the initiative called Corridor for Peace and Prosperity, which was launched in July 2006. This is an initiative that is aimed at contributing to creating a viable Palestinian economy by promoting economic development in the Jordan valley in cooperation with Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Thirdly, Japan has recently revised the commentary of the courses of study for junior high school and high school, solely from an educational point of View. We have done so because, like other countries, Japan also considers it natural to teach its own children about the country's territory. Japan has been manifesting its remorse regarding the war through concrete actions. Japan wishes to build a future-oriented and cooperative relationship with Asian nations, especially China and the Republic of Korea. Prime Minister Abe has stated that he wishes to build friendship with China and the Republic of Korea based on respect, and that he would strongly welcome direct dialogue with leaders from China and the Republic of Korea.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“It was by no means to pay homage to Class A war criminals or to praise militarism. Secondly, we are deeply pained to think of the comfort women who experienced immeasurable pain and suffering. Japan has extended its sincere apologies and remorse to all those women on various occasions. We established the Asian Women's Fund in the 1990s to offer atonement to former comfort women. At this juncture, Japan's position is that this issue should not be politicized or be turned into a diplomatic issue. Throughout history, women's dignity and basic human rights have often been infringed upon during the many wars of the past. The Government of Japan attaches paramount importance to women's dignity and basic human rights and is committed to doing its utmost to ensure that the twenty-first century is free from further such violations.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Japan does not believe that such actions are helpful in reducing tensions and enhancing stability in the region. Although Japan doubts that the Security Council is the most appropriate forum for dealing with those specific issues, let me clarify our positions on the three issues that were raised by some delegations today. First, with regard to the Yasukuni Shrine, the Shrine is home to approximately 2.5 million souls who, regardless of their rank, social standing or nationality, made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, not just in the Second World War but also during domestic turmoil and other wars since 1853. In the statement entitled "Pledge for everlasting peace", which Prime Minister Abe issued upon his visit to the Shrine, he underlined that the purpose of his visit was to renew the pledge that Japan shall never again wage war.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“The Government of Japan, squarely facing those historical facts, has expressed its feelings of deep remorse and sincere mourning for all victims of the Second World War, both at home and abroad, and voiced its heartfelt apology. The entire position outlined by previous Administrations is maintained by the current Cabinet. Peace, democracy and human rights constitute an important part of the Japanese people's identity. Since the end of the Second World War, Japan has continued to pursue the path of a peaceful country and it will never change from that course. That point has been highlighted in the national security strategy that was approved by Cabinet decision in December 2013. It is therefore a pity that specific issues involving Japan and some neighbouring countries have been raised recently and during today's open debate.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“In dealing with such an important issue, we need the wisdom of all Member States, and the Security Council, with only 15 members, may not be the best place. What the United Nations and the international community can do in practical and concrete terms to build an environment that encourages reconciliation should be something that the whole membership should address. Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation since the end of the Second World War. During a certain period in the past, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly those of Asian nations.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“I am grateful, Mr. President, that you have chosen a topic that touches upon a fundamental aspect of international peace and security. It also prompts our intellectual and academic curiosity. The current situations in Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic are a clear indication of the crucial importance of national reconciliation to the achievement of permanent peace. As shown in the aforementioned cases, the situation on the ground in each country is different, requiring deep understanding of all the characteristics particular to each case so that we should deliberate on a case by case basis. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The reality of today's world shows that reconciliation is not an easy task. I therefore believe that it would not be practical to discuss the issue in the abstract.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“In addition to regional seminars in Tokyo, Japan has been organizing seminars on non-proliferation and disarmament here in New York as well, partnering with the Missions of Poland and Turkey. We believe that this endeavour, which we will continue in the future, has helped to nourish ties between Member States and the Committee. Japan expects that the three Committees will continue to carry out their roles and fully cooperate with each other, and we will continue to cooperate positively in the efforts and activities of the three committees.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“During that visit, we widely shared our best practices and latest measures in such fields as the financing of terrorism, law enforcement mechanisms and border control. We believe that Japan's cooperation with CTED during its visit contributed to making the future activities of CTED more effective, and strongly expect CTED to put the fruits of its visit to practical use. Japan continues to attach great importance to preventing the proliferation of goods and technologies related to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). We have been working closely with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) to strengthen regional and global efforts to better regulate the export and border control of WMD-related materials.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“In addition, concerning the creation of a post of United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator, we understand the need for such a post on the grounds that it would enhance coordination of all efforts in the field of counter-terrorism at the United Nations. We believe that we need to clarify the actual role of the post in order not to end up increasing the number of relevant posts with little substantive added value. For its part, Japan has made efforts for the sake of effectiveness and efficiency in the fight against terrorism. In May, Japan received a focused visit by CTED, conducted on behalf of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter- terrorism.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“We would like to stress the importance of avoiding unnecessary duplication, and expect those agencies to make a special effort in that regard. We believe that the role of each primary counter- terrorism entity - namely, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, (CTED) the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - must be clear. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the mechanism for ensuring the overall coordination and coherence of the programmes conducted by those entities and by Member States. As the next Security Council resolution expanding the mandate of CTED will be adopted soon, we expect a practical and fruitful discussion in that regard.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“We believe that it is crucial for all relevant United Nations agencies to act effectively and efficiently. At the same time, it is also necessary for us to promote more positive counter-terrorism activities within the United Nations and outside it so as to maximize the effect of measures taken by the international community as a whole. In that context, Japan welcomes the recent initiative of the Chairmen of the Committees to invite the President of the Financial Action Task Force to the United Nations. From that perspective, we believe that there may be some room for improvement in order to avoid duplication with respect to counter-terrorism measures taken by the United Nations. We have seen several United Nations agencies conduct various programmes, sometimes alone and sometimes in cooperation with each other.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“It is obvious that many challenges remain and that the international community must reinforce its efforts with a particular focus on the threats on the African continent. Based on such recognition, Japan recently announced a pledge of $16 million to support capacity- building in the States of North Africa and the Sahel. At the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in June, Japan also committed to providing $1 billion in humanitarian and development assistance over the next five years and extending assistance to foster human resources in the field of counter-terrorism in the region. Despite our collective efforts towards international cooperation, it is undeniable that there is a limit to the resources available for the fight against terrorism.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairs of the Council's three counter-terrorism-related Committees for their respective briefings. The Committees were established nearly a decade ago in response to the serious terrorism conditions at that time and have carried out dedicated efforts in the fight against terrorism. We believe that the many kinds of practical measures taken by the international community in that regard have made a substantial difference. At the same time, we have to admit that we are still living in a reality that includes the threat of terrorism. The tragedy in Kenya and the terrorist attack in In Amenas, Algeria, in which 40 citizens, including 10 Japanese nationals, were killed, are still vivid in our memory.”
2013-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7071 (2013) · source
“The situation in Syria has clearly demonstrated that dysfunction of the Security Council. Let us recall our leaders' commitment made at the 2005 World Summit and reflected in its Outcome (General Assembly resolution 60/1) to achieve an early reform of the Security Council. In that regard, I appreciate the recent initiatives by His Excellency Mr. John Ashe, current President of the General Assembly, to promote proactively the reform process, as he clearly stated in his letter of 22 October. By 2015, when the United Nations marks its seventieth anniversary, concrete outcomes in Security Council reform will be necessary. I invite all Member States to spare no effort towards that goal.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In that regard, I sincerely hope that the members of the Council, especially those with permanent seats, will do more to enhance its transparency. Article 25 of the Charter of the United Nations stipulates that we, the Member States, agree to accept the decisions of the Security Council. Yet, that article alone does not necessarily guarantee the legitimacy of the Council's decisions. Improving the Council's working methods is necessary, but insufficient in enhancing the Council's legitimacy. It is crucial that the States Members of the United Nations accelerate negotiations on Security Council reform to generate concrete outcomes in the matter. The Security Council as is currently composed does not reflect the geopolitical realities of the century and does not function as designed.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I am afraid that the answer is "not quite". For instance, many consultations in the Council are still being held in a closed and exclusive format. We even hear complaints from elected members of the Council that they were not involved in the discussions on the situation in Syria, which were conducted only among permanent members. In that regard, I highly appreciate the President's initiative in taking on the topic of "Ensuring a transparent and inclusive process of negotiation within the Council" in today's debate. While we remain strongly committed to improving the working methods, there are, unfortunately, limits to what can be done from outside the Security Council to ensure a transparent process of internal negotiations within the Council.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We are proud of our country's contribution to enhancing the transparency of the Council's working methods through such efforts. We are pleased that the Informal Working Group has continued to hold discussions on improving the Council's working methods under the leadership of subsequent Chairs, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal and Argentina. We can see progress in efficiency in areas such as reviewing the mandate cycles of the relevant Security Council resolutions. In that context, I would like to voice my appreciation to Ambassador Maria Cristina Perceval, Permanent Representative of Argentina and Chair of the Informal Working Group, for her contribution, including her work on the presidential note issued this August (S/2013/515). However are those achievements enough? Are the Security Council working methods transparent enough?”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your initiative in holding this debate on the working methods of the Security Council. We believe that Japan has been a leading contributor to improvements in Security Council working methods. When Japan was on the Council, we, as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, issued presidential note S/2006/507 in 2006, as well as its revision in 2010 (S/2010/507). We also issued a working methods handbook, which included the presidential note and the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council. Based on our proposals, the Council's interaction with troop- and police-contributing countries has increased.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Through such assistance, we have been implementing numerous projects on this basis all over the world, including in Afghanistan and several African countries, providing useful synergies for both donor and recipient countries. In conclusion, Japan will continue to make every possible efforts to contribute to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) as we approach the fifteenth anniversary of its adoption, and will actively participate in its high-level review in 2015.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“We will continue our contribution to the Fund. Furthermore, Japan co-hosted a special event in July with the Fund to expand its donor base, including private-sector donors. In addition, I would like to share with the Council our experience of making use of an area of Japan's official development assistance schemes that we call grant assistance for grassroots projects, which we believe is apositive example ofa good practice that could be emulated elsewhere. Grant assistance for grassroots projects is intended to provide rapid and direct support to both international and local non-governmental organizations active on the ground.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“In July, in collaboration with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, our Mission held a special event entitled "Resolution 1325 (2000) in action: lessons learned and reflections". The summary of the discussion held at that event has been included in the Secretary-General's report. We hope that it will further serve as an input to the global review of resolution 1325 (2000) in November. Increasing investment in the capacity and resources of women's civil society organizations that are active in conflict-affected countries should also be considered. In that regard, Japan was one of the initial supporters, and continues to be one of the main contributors, of the United Nations Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women, which directly supports such civil society organizations.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Such women's participation will also contribute to better protecting the rights and the physical well-being of women, including female human rights defenders, female political leaders and female war correspondents, who are particularly exposed to danger in times of conflict. From that perspective, Japan has been earnestly developing a national action plan based on resolution 1325 (2000). In that action plan, Japan, in collaboration with UN Women and civil society, will articulate measures to be taken for the sake of promoting women's participation in such efforts as conflict prevention, the protection of victims of sexual violence, and peacebuilding and restoration processes.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“To that end, Japan has, for example, supported various efforts to assist victims of sexual violence in refugee camps located in such countries as the Sudan, Somalia and Iraq, by providing legal advice, representation and awareness-raising campaigns, as well as establishing relief and recovery systems that include mental health care. In order for Member States and the United Nations system to be able to take effective actions, it is important that we highlight good practices and share lessons learned. Today's open debate is an excellent opportunity to that end. In order to realize a more peaceful society, Japan intends to make its utmost effort to ensure women's participation and incorporate a women's perspective into each and every phase of conflict prevention, conflict settlement and peacebuilding, including election processes.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“We are planning to extend official development aid amounting to more than $3 billion over the next three years in the areas of women's social advancement and capacity-building; women's health care; and women's participation and protection in the field of peace and security. In order to protect women's rights and ensure women's participation in conflict-affected situations, security for those who serve to uphold the rule of law, such as police officers and judges, is a basic necessity. In that regard, gender-responsive transitional justice measures and justice system reforms need to be addressed. In particular, women's access to the justice system must be strengthened so as to protect their rights, as well as to protect them from the Violence that too often accompanies the transition from conflict.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank the Secretary-General, the new Executive Director of UN Women and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for their informative briefings. I also thank and welcome the participation of the representative from civil society. I would also like to welcome today's adoption of resolution 2122 (2013). As Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe announced in his statement to the General Assembly last month (see A/68/PV.12), Japan is actively committed to engaging in the international agenda concerning women and to making every effort to create a society where women shine.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source