YouSaid · the spoken record

Yoshikawa

lines on the record

316

first

2002-02-27

most recent

2016-05-05

sittings or episodes

54

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

1. “Japan warmly congratulates Bosnia and Herzegovina on its application to join the European Union, which it submitted in February. We hope that that will present an opportunity for the country to make further progress on the reforms needed for greater integration. Before concluding, I would like to reassure the Security Council of Japan's strong support for High Representative Inzko and his Office. In the light of the importance of the role of the High Representative, Japan has been underwriting 10 per cent of the entire budget of his Office for 20 years. The visit of the High Representative to Japan in January was appreciated by the Japanese authorities. I wish Mr. Inzko every success so that outstanding objectives and conditions necessary for the closure of his Office can be achieved at an early date.”

   2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source

2. “The country has made the transition from war to peace, but the question is whether the country can achieve lasting peace and a successful future. In that regard, Japan is seriously concerned about the decision of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska to hold a referendum on secession. Such a referendum would constitute a breach of the Dayton Agreement. It would also undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the President of Republika Srpska stated publicly that the referendum has been put aside, the National Assembly's decision has not been repealed. Furthermore, the President has continued to make public statements referring to the Republika Srpska's independence. Japan urges all political leaders to refrain from any divisive rhetoric.”

   2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source

3. “I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in that country. It was very encouraging to hear from him that the martial art of karate serves as a means of uniting the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 20 years have passed since the brutal war in Bosnia and Herzegovina came to an end. The prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is critical, not only for its future but also for the peace and stability of the Western Balkans region. Japan, as a member of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, has continuously supported the country's reconstruction and State-building efforts for two decades. Bosnia and Herzegovina is now at an important juncture.”

   2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source

4. “For the implementation of resolution 2286 (2016) in Aleppo, the role of States with influence on the ground is critical. Japan urges all State, in particular the Syrian Arab Republic and the States members of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to thoroughly implement this resolution. On the draft press statement circulated a few moments ago by the United Kingdom, I support the idea of sending a clear message of the Council. The draft seems to capture all important points. In conclusion, I would like to state the Japan will continue to work with members of the Council and the ISSG for a lasting political settlement through assistance that gives the people of Syria hope for a better future.”

   2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7687 (2016) · source

5. “Now such hope is being lost in Syria, especially in Aleppo, an important Middle East cultural heritage site. We see an escalation of violence and fighting in Aleppo. In this context, we welcome the latest news of agreement between the United States and Russia towards extending the cessation of hostilities to Aleppo. We hope this welcome effort will be implemented. Japan strongly urges all parties to fully implement resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2268 (2016). Yesterday, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2286 (2016), which addresses the protection of medical personnel and facilities. That resolution does not focus on any specific conflict area. However, Syria, in particular Aleppo, is a typical situation that the resolution envisages.”

   2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7687 (2016) · source

6. “I thank the president for convening this meeting on Aleppo. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Under-Secretaries-General Feltman and O'Brien for their detailed briefings. It was almost two months ago that we unanimously adopted resolution 2268 (2016), endorsing in full the United States-Russian Federation joint statement on the cessation of hostilities in Syria. After the adoption of this resolution, we saw some remarkable developments in the Syrian political process and considerable improvement in humanitarian access. Since the crisis is far from coming to an end, however, we cannot be satisfied with these temporary achievements. At the same time, we should admit that the cessation of hostilities gave hope to the Syrian people.”

   2016-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7687 (2016) · source

7. “In this regard, I wish to share with the Council that Japan has provided assistance to such countries as Myanmar, Cambodia and Iraq, for the purposes of developing domestic legal frameworks by sending experts and conducting training programmes. The role of States with influence on the ground is of particular importance for the effective implementation of today's resolution. The role of the Secretary-General to alert the Council on any obstructions or acts of violence is also important. I wish to conclude by paying tribute to all the humanitarian personnel who are working under very serious circumstances of conflict and by stating that Japan will continue to play an active role in the area of humanitarian assistance and international humanitarian law.”

   2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source

8. “In this context, I would like to see further deliberation on the comprehensive mechanisms to encourage relevant parties to undertake such compliance. Although this subject was discussed intensively at the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva last December, we failed to reach an agreement. I hope that viable mechanisms for ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law could be established in the near future through an inclusive process. With resolution 2286 (2016), the Security Council strongly urges States to develop effective measures to prevent attacks against medical personnel through the development of domestic legal frameworks. This, I understand, is ICRC President Maurer's number- one proposal. I believe that this approach would lead to ending impunity and ensure accountability.”

   2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source

9. “That is more than double the number of incidents in 2014, which was 59. Facing this grave situation, we believed it urgent and necessary to adopt a resolution focusing exclusively on the protection of medical personnel and medical facilities. I was very pleased to witness the unanimous adoption of the resolution today. Resolution 2286 (2016) sends a strong message from the Council condemning attacks on medical personnel and facilities and demanding that all parties to armed conflict ensure respect and protection for these personnel and facilities. The next step is the implementation of the resolution by the international community. All States Members of the United Nations should demonstrate their commitment to strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law.”

   2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source

10. “Despite this universally accepted legal principle, medical personnel and medical facilities are exposed to attacks in armed conflicts, and the situations are getting worse. In its effort to tackle this question of compliance with international humanitarian law, the Security Council adopted resolution 2175 (2014), which aims to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. However, as the Secretary-General, Mr. Peter Maurer of the ICRC and Ms. Liu of MSF brought out in detail, attacks against medical personnel and medical facilities are considerably increasing. To add but one example, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and UNICEF documented 125 incidents affecting access to health care in Afghanistan in 2015, which included 20 health workers killed, 43 injured and 66 abducted.”

    2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source

11. “Finally, I would like to acknowledge the work of the Group of Friends of the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, led by Switzerland, as well as the initiative taken by Uruguay as President of the Security Council in the month of January to hold an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (see S/PV. 7606). The Geneva Conventions provide that medical personnel and medical facilities shall be respected and protected at all times. Therefore, they shall not be the object of attack. There is no room for argument on this point. Today's resolution does not focus on any specific conflict areas. However, I have to say that the situation in Syria, in particular in Aleppo, vividly illustrates the importance of this issue.”

    2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source

12. “It is very difficult to be the first speaker after having heard sobering stores and strong appeals from the Secretary-General, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International President of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), but I will try my best. My delegation is very proud to have worked with other authors in the preparation of resolution 2286 (2016), which we adopted this morning: Egypt, New Zealand, Spain and Uruguay. 1 also thank the many Member States that have joined us as sponsors of the resolution. I am very happy to note that there are 19 sponsors from the Asia-Pacific Group.”

    2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source

13. “We look to the Kingdom of Morocco, an important member of the international community, to continue its utmost efforts to improve the situation in cooperation with the United Nations. Japan stands ready to assist such efforts in any way it can. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the need for lasting adherence to the ceasefire and the importance of the continuation of negotiations towards a long overdue political solution that will provide for the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara.”

    2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source

14. “Japan voted in favour of resolution 2285 (2016) because it provides the answer to those priorities. I would also like to express our appreciation to the penholder, the United States, for its efforts in preparing the draft resolution. A return to full functionality should, in our View, include on-site political reporting capabilities, so that MINURSO will be able to fully carry out its mandate contained in the relevant Council resolution, including the one we have just adopted. In the resolution, the Council requests to be briefed within 90 days, but that does not mean that we should wait 90 days to take action. Rather, in the light of the urgency, efforts should be made to recover full functionality in an expeditious manner. It is the responsibility of the Council to ensure that its resolutions, including this one, are fully implemented.”

    2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source

15. “On 24 March, members of the Security Council expressed serious concerns about the developments related to Western Sahara and therefore stressed the importance of addressing the situation, so that MINURSO might resume its full capacity to carry out its mandate. Peacekeeping operations and other missions are deployed by the Council to carry out critical tasks around the world to maintain international peace and security. Given that the mandate of MINURSO was due to expire on 30 April, many Member States, including Japan, made strenuous efforts to address the situation. It was a matter of priority for the Council to extend the mandate of the Mission by tomorrow. At the same time, it was also necessary to ensure that MINURSO returns to full functionality as a matter of urgency.”

    2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source

16. “Let me begin by emphasizing the critical role that the United Nations plays under the leadership of the Secretary-General, his Personal Envoy and the Head of the Mission in maintaining peace and security, as well as in promoting mutual trust and achieving a political solution in Western Sahara. On the ground, the personnel of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) carry out important tasks mandated by the Council. MINURSO has managed to continue its operations with a limited capacity after the departure of 73 of its personnel on 20 March. That continuity has been possible solely owing to the dedicated efforts of the remaining personnel of MINURSO, whom I wish to commend.”

    2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source

17. “Japan strongly believes that the conflict in Ukraine can be solved only by diplomatic means and in full respect for international law, especially the legal obligation to respect Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. In closing, I wish to confirm that Japan, as Chair of the Group of Seven Ukraine Support Group and as one of the largest donors to Ukraine, remains committed to supporting Ukraine's efforts for reform.”

    2016-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7683 (2016) · source

18. “That document has been agreed to and signed by all the relevant parties. It was also endorsed by resolution 2202 (2015). Japan once again urges all parties to fully and promptly implement the Minsk agreements. It is a matter of concern that the freedom of movement of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission is increasingly restricted. The Special Monitoring Mission has been playing a pivotal role in helping to de-escalate the crisis. Without such restrictions, the Mission could do much more. Japan stresses that the Special Monitoring Mission must be given full and unfettered access throughout the conflict zone, including the entire border region.”

    2016-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7683 (2016) · source

19. “I should like to begin by thank the three briefers - Assistant Secretary- General Zerihoun, Ambassador Apakan and my former colleague, Ambassador Martin Sajdik - for their insightful and sobering briefings. Japan is deeply concerned by the current situation in Ukraine. The briefings we have just heard confirm our concern. Ukraine may not make headlines these days, but the situation is far from calm and stable. The number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk has been on an upward trend since January. During the week of 11-17 April, nearly 1,000 rounds of mortar fire were recorded - the highest number this year. In March, 20 Ukrainian soldiers were killed. This was the highest number of casualties since August 2015. We must challenge this deadlock. The answer lies in the Minsk agreements.”

    2016-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7683 (2016) · source

20. “For its part, Japan recently provided additional assistance in the amount of $38.5 million, which will be implemented by various United Nations agencies. That assistance will be used for State-building in Somalia, enhancing basic social services, strengthening the capacity of the security sector and revitalizing the economy. Assistance for tackling the challenges that I have mentioned today is included, such as support for the establishment of the national electoral commission and strengthening the police force. They will be implemented by ANSOM. and the United Nations Development Programme. Let me conclude by reaffirming Japan's strong commitment to assisting Somalia at this crucialjuncture.”

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

21. “We welcome the holding of the recent summit of the troop- and police-contributing countries to AMISOM, as well as the commitment to improving coordination within AMISOM. as a step in that direction. Security sector reform is also important. The coordinated integration of regional forces in the Somali National Army will make joint operations with AMISOM. more effective. Extending basic policing services throughout the country, including within the liberated areas, is equally important, as is capacity- building for the maritime police force. We welcome President Mohamud's commitments to push forward those reforms. Somalia's State-building efforts must be Somali- led, but at the same time be supported by the international community.”

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

22. “The Security Council should continue to do all that it can, and Japan fully supported the adoption of resolution 2275 (2016), which extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) until the end of March of next year. Turning to the security aspect, Al-Shabaab still remains a major threat. Japan strongly condemns all territorial attacks and pays tribute to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army for their work under the harsh conditions on the ground. In order to prevent Al-Shabaab from making further gains, we believe that it is crucial that offensive operations against it be carried out in an even more closely coordinated manner.”

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

23. “We are also delighted at the very encouraging news on the National Leaders Forum on 12 April, where the detailed structures and modalities of the electoral process were agreed among the Somali leaders. It is now important to deliver on the electoral process in August, as expected. We call upon all parties of Somali to engage constructively towards that end. There is an urgent need to make progress on the completion of the State formation and constitutional review processes and on the political road map in order to realize a one person/one vote election by 2020. We look forward to the constitutional conference producing a positive outcome in May.”

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

24. “I would like to begin by thanking you, Sir, for convening this timely meeting in the presence of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. I would like to express my appreciation to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for joining us today in the Security Council, and commend his leadership. I also thank him for his very forceful presentation. Let me also join others in thanking Mr. Michael Keating and Ambassador Tete Antonio for their informative briefings. After a long endeavours, Somalia is at last moving towards State-building. This year is especially crucial for the political transition process in Somalia. Successful implementation of the electoral process is a test case. Japan welcomes the decision by the federal Government of Somalia on an electoral model for 2016 based on inclusive, Somali-led discussions.”

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

25. “I will end my statement by paying tribute to the tireless efforts on the part of Special Envoys and Representatives of the Secretary-General stationed in the region of Middle East and North Africa, and by expressing my hope that, with the strong political will of the international community, we will see more positive developments in that region during the next debate on this agenda item, slated for July, when Japan will have the honour to preside over the Council.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

26. “As peace talks have stalled, desperation and violence have spread. As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recalled today, settlement activities, which are illegal under international law, are in direct contradiction with the goal of a two-State solution. We reiterate that no act justifies violence, and we call on leaders to denounce violence without exception. Japan will continue to provide economic assistance to Palestine in the firm belief that a sustainable economy underpins the Viability ofa two-State solution. We also stand ready to participate in initiatives that can lead to peace between Israel and Palestine, including the one put forth by the Government of France.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

27. “As Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), I have always stressed that sanctions are meant to support a political solution. The resumption of direct talks is therefore a long-awaited step forward. Since September 2014, Japan has extended $85 million in grant assistance to Yemen. One of the projects includes assistance to the constitution-drafting process. I believe that, once an agreement is reached through the Yemen peace talks, the spending assistance programme will continue, and the parties will be able to arrive at an early formulation of the constitution. Despite some encouraging signs in the region of the Middle East and North Africa, almost no positive change has occurred in the Middle East peace process since the previous open debate in January (see S/PV.7610).”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

28. “Notes to that effect were exchanged last Friday here in New York between Ms. Sima Bahous, UNDP's Assistant Administrator, and myself. Electric generators provided by Japan to Syria during the 1980s and 1990s through our development fund continue to furnish more than 56 per cent of the entire electricity supply in Syria. I believe that project will help to strengthen the resilience of Syrian society and thereby create conditions enabling the Syrian people to feel like staying in their country. Turning to Yemen, Japan welcomes the nation-wide cessation of hostilities in place since 10 April. We have, however, received the disappointing news that the scheduled peace talks in Kuwait, facilitated by Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, have not yet begun. We urge all the Yemeni parties to engage in the peace talks as soon as possible.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

29. “In Syria, the cessation of hostilities that began in late February has created the conditions necessary for facilitating immediate humanitarian access to besieged and hard-to-reach areas, an improvement conducive to the political process. The new round of intra-Syrian talks has just begun in Geneva. We greatly appreciate the tireless efforts of Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and his team. Japan has been giving aid to Syria for providing food, improving living conditions and implementing vocational training. In that regard, I am pleased to announce that Japan has decided to provide additional assistance amounting to $11 million as grant aid for rehabilitating three existing electricity facilities in Syria through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

30. “On 16 April, a major earthquake also struck Ecuador. On behalfofthe people and the Government of Japan, I would like to express our solidarity with the people of Ecuador. In order to save time, I will limit my statement to its salient points and circulate the full text later. The region of Middle East and North Africa is facing outbreaks of conflict, social unrest and violent extremism. Since January, when Japan became a member ofthe Security Council, I have listened to many reports on tragic humanitarian situations. We must address the best way for us to contribute concretely to the maintenance of international peace and security in the Middle East and North Africa. In Syria, Yemen and Libya, we have recently seen glimmers of light and hope for the possibility of bringing a permanent end to the conflicts in each of those countries.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

31. “I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's important meeting. Before addressing today's topic, on behalf of the people and the Government of Japan, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the messages from the Secretary-General and the leaders of many Member States, including a number of my colleagues here in the Council, expressing their sympathy for and solidarity with the people of Japan in the wake of the major earthquakes that struck the Kumamoto region in western Japan. They have taken the lives of more than 40 people and injured more than 1,000, while more than 1,000 are now living anxiously in evacuation centres. Our Self-Defence Forces, police, fire deparments and medical units are working around the clock. We are grateful for the offers of assistance made by many countries and organizations.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

32. “Japan commends and strongly supports the Secretary-General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674), which provides the basis for an all-United Nations approach. The Plan of Action and an all-United Nations approach should be reflected in the review of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy to be held in June in the General Assembly. I wish to conclude by expressing Japan's willingness to participate constructively in that debate.”

    2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source

33. “To that end, Japan has continuously funded projects of UN-Women, as well as those of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. One of this year's projects seeks to reinforce women's leadership through their engagement in political dialogue in the Sahel region. I hope that women's participation in political dialogue will contribute to building communities that are resilient against violent extremists, such as Boko Haram. Finally, I would like to stress that violent extremism has broad aspects in its nature, and so, preventing it requires a comprehensive approach, utilizing all the knowledge and experience of all United Nations agencies, funds and programmes.”

    2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source

34. “The second aspect that I would like to address is the importance of tackling the root causes of terrorism. Many previous speakers, including my neighbour Malaysia, have also highlighted the importance of that aspect. Among the root causes, I wish to focus on how we can prevent violent extremism that can be conducive to terrorism. One possible way to prevent violent extremism is to provide assistance aimed at creating a society that does not give in to violent extremism. In that context, Japan attaches great importance to supporting women and girls so as to make societies more resilient. By empowering women, we can empower other members of their families and communities.”

    2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source

35. “Only a small number of Member States have adopted those systems, which is not effective enough to detect broken travel. I therefore urge all Member States to introduce the systems as soon as possible. In that connection, I was very encouraged to hear from the delegation of France that the European Parliament approved the introduction of the PNR system today. No country is immune from terrorism. Japan is on high alert for the risk of terrorist attacks in preparing the upcoming important events that Japan will host, such as the Group of Seven Summit in May this year, the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. We are committed to enhancing counter-terrorism measures, so that people from around the world can feel safe and will be secure when visiting Japan on those occasions.”

    2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source

36. “In order to detect broken travel, it is necessary not only to obtain passport details through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), but also to obtain passenger name records (PNR), which contain passengers' booking information, such as their itineraries, the names of travelling companions and payment methods. The Permanent Representative of Uruguay already pointed out the importance of those systems. The Security Council recommends that Member States utilize both the APIS and the PNR systems as outlined in resolution 2178 (2014) and presidential statement S/PRST/2014/23, respectively. To my knowledge, only about a quarter of the 193 Member States have introduced APIS, and even fewer have introduced the PNR system.”

    2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source

37. “The fight against terrorism requires diverse efforts. Today, I would like to focus on two issues. The first is foreign terrorist fighters. It is estimated that around 30,000 fighters, from more than 100 Member States, are attracted to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and their associated groups. In order to stem the flow of such fighters, it is important to implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular, resolution 2178 (2014). Today, many of those fighters travel from their countries of origin to another country before travelling on to the final destination, which helps them avoid detection; that is called "broken travel".”

    2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source

38. “I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, for raising this timely and important topic. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his insightful briefing. We witness almost every week terrorist attacks all over the world. In March alone, they occurred in Pakistan, Belgium, Turkey, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia. I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the Governments and the peoples of each of those countries. Japan condemns terrorism in the strongest terms, and we are determined work with the international community to overcome terrorism. On Monday this week, in Hiroshima, the Group of Seven Foreign Ministers expressed their determination to stand united in countering terrorism in all its forms and wherever it occurs.”

    2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source

39. “It is important that children are not relied upon as a source of labour. Also, a professional training centre for youth employment has been built. This is an ongoing project carried out in collaboration with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UN-Women, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund. We look forward to its successful outcome. Japan wishes to hold an open debate on the theme of peacebuilding in Africa during our Council presidency in the month of July. We would like to fully utilize today's very timely discussion in preparation for our open debate in July.”

    2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

40. “We have also undertaken the training of trainers to strengthen the Democratic Republic of the Congo's training capacities. Given that most of that country's officers, unfortunately, start working without any training, we believe the programme has greatly contributed to enhancing the capacity of the police force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The second example is a project for the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups into an education system in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Children are mixed discreetly with other children in schools in order to avoid prejudice. This project provides support not only to the children, but also to the entire community so that children can go to school. For example, parents are given support to sustain their own livelihood.”

    2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

41. “Both funds contribute to empowering people in fragile situations and to enhancing social resilience against relapse into conflict. Countries in transition can also make use of United Nations and bilateral donor partnerships to consolidate peace. Let me elaborate on the actions Japan has taken in partnership with the United Nations focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first example is an institution-building programme. For 12 years Japan has provided training for more than 20,000 of the country's total of 100,000 police officers, in collaboration with police forces of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This means that one of every five police officers in that country has been trained by Japan.”

    2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

42. “Let us make good use of them. These funds carry out great work. Let me cite some examples. In Burundi, the Peacebuilding Fund recently supported a group of 512 female community mediators in addressing more than 5,000 local disputes. These female mediators are helping to reduce tension within communities and also between communities and security forces. The United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security supported the empowerment of conflict-affected communities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. That project supported the restoration of livelihoods and agriculture, benefitting returnees, internally displaced persons and members of host communities. It also provided access to improved social services and local infrastructure.”

    2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

43. “As Chair of the Group until last year, I led discussions on the challenges faced by post-conflict countries during and after United Nations mission drawdown. From that exercise, we drew two lessons. The first is that there is a need for the sustained attention of the international community to mitigating political and financial gaps resulting from United Nations mission drawdowns. The second is that there is a need for countries in transition to build national institutional capacities to achieve lasting peace. The question is how to translate these lessons learned into practice in post- conflict settings to prevent relapses. The United Nations has various tools for funding. In addition to the funds and programmes of the United Nations, we have the Peacebuilding Fund and the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security at our disposal.”

    2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

44. “I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for Angola's leadership, as Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, in consolidating peace and security in the region. I also thank the Secretary- General and the guest speakers for their briefings. Today, I wish to focus on one crucial issue - the importance of preventing lapses and relapses into conflict. According to the WorldDevelopmentReport 2011, 57 per cent of all countries that experienced civil war between 1945 and 2009 returned to conflict. Unfortunately, that is the case in the Great Lakes region. The people of the region have been suffering from instability for too long. In that regard, let me share with the Council the outcomes of the Peacebuilding Commission's Working Group on Lessons Learned.”

    2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

45. “But I believe that a Security Council mission can serve as a good opportunity to send a strong message of support for the stability and the development of Afghanistan, which continues to face the difficult challenges that have been reported to us today. As the Afghan Government implements its commitment to reforms on the basis of mutual accountability and makes a crucial transition towards self-reliance, Japan, and other members of the Security Council and the international community, I am sure, stand ready to offer their support.”

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

46. “The Security Council meets every three months to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and from time to time adopts resolutions. But given the seriousness of the challenges that Afghanistan is facing, this approach seems like business as usual. What more can the Security Council do to support the efforts of UNAMA and the Government of Afghanistan? This has long been my question. In my view, the Security Council could explore the possibility of conducting a Council mission to Afghanistan. It is certain that we would have to examine various elements of such a proposal, for example, the timing of a mission, the security situation, and what messages we would like to send to the country.”

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

47. “The Group focuses on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process and on the resumption of direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, which will hopefully provide a significant improvement in security conditions in Afghanistan. My personal experience as Japan's first Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan tells me that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for Afghanistan. The efforsts of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group's are highly appreciated, but the peace and reconciliation process is not the only answer to the many challenges the National Unity Government faces. The delay in starting direct talks should not be an excuse for the lack of progress in other key areas, such as anti-corruption, governance, the rule of law and human rights. Again, the key word is "implementation".”

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

48. “We are confident that UNAMA's efforts will fully ensure an inclusive, transparent and credible election in the future. One of Japan's priorities has been, and is, the enhancement of Afghanistan's capability to maintain security. Japan has fully implemented its commitments by providing assistance for capacity-building and the salaries of the Afghan National Police. Despite strong support from Japan and other international donors, the situation in Afghanistan is far from stable. The number of civilian casualties in 2015 was at a record high, with more than 11,000 people either killed or injured. Many previous speakers focused on that point. Under the deteriorating security situation, Japan welcomes the establishment of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, which includes Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United States.”

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

49. “Security Council resolutions are effective only when implemented. 1 would like to discuss how the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is implementing its mandate. Resolution 2274 (2016) describes UNAMA's mandate in detail, therefore I will not spell it out now. But I will say that UNAMA is implementing its mandate under extremely difficult circumstances. UNAMA plays a significant role in the progress of electoral reforms and in supporting the Special Electoral Reform Commission. As described in the Secretary-General's report (S/2016/218), we have observed progress in this area. Confusion in the 2014 Afghan presidential election, which we still remember, occurred due to the lack of a robust electoral architecture.”

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

50. “Let me first express my gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, for his tireless efforts in Kabul and for his comprehensive briefing today. I noted in particular the point he made that 2016 would be the year of survival. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi of Spain and to his colleagues for effectively guiding consultations on resolution 2274 (2016), which was adopted unanimously moments ago. I am also grateful for the statement by Ambassador Saikal of Afghanistan. I notice that we have 28 speakers today. I am only the ninth, and it is already 11.30. I will keep to the five-minute rule that the Security Council set. Since Japanjoined the Security Council in January, I have been underlining the importance of implementing resolutions.”

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source