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. “As a result, United Nations sanctions related to Iran's nuclear programme were lifted. That is clear proof that sanctions do work. Before concluding my statement, Mr. President, I would like to commend you and the entire Uruguayan team for your incredible work. It must have been a big challenge for Uruguay to assume the presidency in its very first month on the Council. Having been on the Council with you for one month, Sir, I have learned a tremendous amount from your effective and professional conduct of the presidency. I wish Ambassador Rafael Dario Ramirez Carrefio and Venezuela every success in the month of February.”

   2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source

2. “Those agreements include the 1994 Agreed Framework, the Pyongyang declaration between Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 2002 and the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks in 2005 - just to mention a few. But none of those attempts worked, as promises by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were not kept. In order for dialogue to work, there has to be pressure at the same time. That is the very reason that we are arguing for a new, robust draft resolution. In stark contrast to the grave challenge posed to the non-proliferation regime by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the international community witnessed a positive development with regard to the Iranian nuclear issue, namely, the advent, on 16 January, of the implementation day of resolution 2231 (2015).”

   2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source

3. “Japan believes that adopting a new draft resolution with further significant measures needs to be the top, urgent priority of the Council. Sanctions under the Charter of the United Nations are not a punishment or the final objective. Rather, sanctions are one of the important tools that the Council has at its disposal to bring about a comprehensive solution to the issue in question. We agree that in order to bring about a solution to the issue there has to be dialogue. But we should also be reminded that we have been engaged in dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for more than 20 years on their nuclear development programme. Also, past agreements and dialogues have not succeeded in bringing about a solution.”

   2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source

4. “It also constitutes a grave security threat that undermines peace and security in the region and beyond. On the day of the nuclear test, the Security Council immediately held emergency consultations upon a request by Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea. The Security Council was united in issuing a press statement right after the meeting, which strongly condemned the test and decided to begin working immediately on further significant measures in a new draft resolution of the Security Council. As one of the proponents of the emergency meeting, let me express our appreciation for the cooperation of all Council members. After the very swift reaction by the Council, informal discussions have been conducted towards a new draft resolution. We would like to commend the efforts led by the United States, which holds the pen.”

   2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source

5. “I would like to remind all Council members that in presidential note S/2010/507, of which I have a copy with me, all participants in Security Council meetings are encouraged, in paragraph 29, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Making a short statement is not easy. Winston Churchill once said, "If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter". Let me try to follow the five-minute rule. The Security Council has dealt with many difficult issues during the month of January. Among them, I would like to concentrate on the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on 6 January. The test was a clear violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and the international non-proliferation regime.”

   2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source

6. “Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on a successful presidency of the Security Council. It is my honour to be the first speaker to share observations about this month as a newly elected member. Japan welcomes today's formal wrap-up session. We also welcome your initiative, Sir, to hold an informal session this afternoon, which will allow us to have an interactive dialogue with the broader membership of the United Nations. As this session is in open format, let me suggest to you, Elbio, to start this afternoon's informal session with questions and answers. Let me first touch upon the working methods of the Council.”

   2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source

7. “Japan stands ready to play a constructive role, both inside and outside the Council, in working for the long-overdue attainment of a two-State solution.”

   2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source

8. “Japan firmly believes that a sustainable Palestinian economy is indispensable to the viability of a two-State solution. With that in mind, the Japanese Diet recently approved an additional $78 million in assistance, on top of the $1.6 billion we have already disbursed for Palestine's development. One outstanding example is the Jericho Agro- Industrial Park, which saw its first investment lead to the beginning of operations last autumn. In what was formerly a desert there now stands a modem industrial park capable of creating 700 jobs for Palestinians. It is the result of cooperation between Japan, Israel, Jordan and Palestine and attests to the dividends to be gained through peaceful cooperation. We hope the success of the project will attract further investment. Assistance efforts must have a goal in sight. Postponement is not an option.”

   2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source

9. “In that regard, we reiterate our call for a freeze on settlement activities, which are violations of international law and which severely undermine the viability of a two- State solution. While welcoming the increased efforts on Israel's part to address settler violence, we call on Israel to refrain from collective punishment measures, including the demolition of homes. We also call on Palestine to maintain its security cooperation with Israel, which is vital for stability, and to strengthen efforts to achieve national reconciliation. It is the parties themselves who must reach agreement. However, we must recognize that the Council has hardly provided tangible support. The current impasse must not prevent us from moving ahead where progress is possible.”

   2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source

10. “Let us not forget these underlying factors, which fuel instability in Syria and other countries of the region. Under the concept of human security, Japan seeks to help empower individuals and strengthen communities from the ground up. Japan is currently disbursing $2.5 billion in non-military assistance to the region, from assisting Gaza reconstruction and providing education opportunities for Syrian children to offering vocational training in refugee camps. Furthermore, last week the Japanese Diet approved an additional $350 million in non-military assistance to Syria and its neighbouring countries. Nowhere are a resumption of political dialogue and improvements on the ground more overdue than in Palestine. Positive steps on the ground are lacking.”

    2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source

11. “From Syria to Yemen, the numerous crises in the Middle East urgently require political solutions. We therefore welcome the resumption of the Yemen peace talks and look forward to the initiation of the intra-Syrian dialogue on 29 January. We note with concern, however, the rise in regional tensions. Provocative rhetoric and the drawing of fault lines do not contribute to political solutions. Dialogue must be maintained at all times; it is the essence and power of diplomacy. The Security Council must continue to urge dialogue and take measures to reduce tensions in that volatile region. The rise of extremist ideology and the mass movement of refugees are occurring where economic prospects are truncated, civilians indiscriminately attacked and families uprooted.”

    2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source

12. “Mr. Yoshikawa (Japan) (spoke in Spanish): We warmly welcome you, Sir, to the Security Council. We are very pleased to be serving on the Council alongside Uruguay. (spoke in English) In order to save time, I will state my salient points and distribute my full text to the Council. Let me start by looking at the overall situation in the Middle East. One year ago, the Council strongly condemned the heinous murder of two Japanese citizens in Syria by terrorists. A year later, terrorism and acts of violence continue to exploit the political vacuums and economic difficulties in the region, with civilians bearing the brunt of the cost. Further terrorist attacks in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America serve as a cruel reminder of the far-reaching repercussions of the growing instability in the Middle East.”

    2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source

13. “I think that we, the Security Council, need to put a little order into all of this and to set a time limit so that all Member States, not just members of the Council but all Members of the United Nations that desire to take the floor to speak will be able to do so before 5.30 pm.”

    2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

14. “In conclusion, I would like to refer to the importance ofpromoting human security while protecting civilians. In my view, it is not sufficient to simply protect civilians from physical harm. Their human dignity must also be protected. Vulnerable people in armed conflicts cannot recover their dignity if they are left in extreme poverty and fear. They need to be empowered to become constructive actors in their communities by such means as improving health-care systems and education. Japan, being a strong advocate of human security, will further strengthen humanitarian and development assistance to address such needs. (spoke in Spanish) Finally, it is nearly 1 p.m.; we began this debate three hours ago. There still remains one Council member to speak and a lot of people are waiting. We have 77 speakers today.”

    2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

15. “It is the first permanent international criminal court that can hold accountable perpetrators of crimes committed against civilians. With 123 States parties, which is very close to two- thirds of the entire membership of the United Nations, the ICC can be the most effective tool available to ensure accountability. Therefore, I would like to strongly encourage Member States that have not done so to become States parties to the ICC. Let us make the Court more universal so that we can effectively deter crimes committed against civilians. I believe that the Security Council, on its part, can do more to enhance cooperation and communication with the ICC. To those ends, Japan is willing to work together with the Member States in and outside the Council.”

    2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

16. “When compliance fails, accountability must play its role. Effective accountability deters non-compliance. I believe that we have a unique tool to enhance accountability when national judicial systems are not sufficient; we all know that is the International Criminal Court (ICC). Recently, we have witnessed a case in which the ICC completed its first judicial cycle of crimes committed against civilians, which includes the issuance of arrest warrants, the surrender of the defendant, a trial, a judgement and, finally, a sentence served. In this case, it took more than eight years to complete this cycle. I am fully aware that States Members of the United Nations have varying views and perspectives on the ICC, but it is the first permanent international criminal court. It is not an ad hoc court.”

    2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

17. “The thirty- second International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which took place just one month ago in Geneva, was a real opportunity for the international community to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law. One of the important outcomes that many of us expected to see was the adoption of comprehensive mechanisms and the strengthening of the normative framework of international humanitarian law. Very regrettably, however, we failed to reach an agreement. Mechanisms that strongly encouraged relevant parties to comply with international humanitarian law are more than ever awaited. Member States should strive ceaselessly and in a more inclusive manner to establish such mechanisms. On that issue, Japan will continue to engage in discussions with other Member States.”

    2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

18. “The appalling situation in Syria, which the Council has been discussing intensively for years, illustrates vividly the importance ofthis issue. Japan associates itself with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. Since the Swiss statement will cover many aspects mentioned in the President's concept note (S/2016/22, annex), I would like to focus my statement on two points only: compliance and accountability. As the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2015/453), submitted in June 2015, points out, ensuring compliance in armed conflicts remains a challenge to the international community.”

    2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

19. “Mr. Yoshikawa (Japan) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I wish to welcome His Excellency Mr. Jose Luis Cancela, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay. (spoke in English) My gratitude also goes to the Deputy Secretary- General, the Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the representative of OXFAM. for their briefings. I add my voice to others to praise the humanitarian workers of the United Nations, the ICRC, OXFAM. and other humanitarian non-governmental organizations for their tireless efforts, often made at the risk of their lives, to help those who are suffering in armed conflicts. Today's topic, the protection of civilians in armed conflict, is one of the most pertinent subjects that the Security Council has to deal with.”

    2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

20. “1 would like to thank France and the United Kingdom for requesting today's emergency meeting, as well as Spain and New Zealand for having been instrumental in promoting critical Security Council resolutions on this issue. We, the Council, must remain vigilant and not condone the humanitarian violations forced upon millions of Syrians.”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

21. “We look forward to participating at the conference, where Japan will announce, pending approval of our Diet, a substantial new assistance package. The package will include immediate relief such as food and assistance in the form of vocational training for Syrians. Our assistance will also go to surrounding countries, such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. When United Nations convoys entered the besieged town of Madaya this week, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affaris reported having witnessed people who seemed to have lost hope that the world cared about them. Madaya is a wake-up call about the continued suffering of millions of people in Syria.”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

22. “Since 2011, Japan has disbursed more than $1.1 billion in humanitarian aid, including food, sanitation and other assistance to Syrians and neighbouring host countries. We are nonetheless concerned that only 43 per cent of funding needs were met in 2015. With our eyes set on the eventual resolution of the crisis and the return of Syrians to their homes, our assistance should not be limited to immediate life-saving assistance, such as food and medical supplies, but should also cover assistance such as vocational training and educational aid to assist Syrians on their paths towards self-reliance. The coming London conference in February will be a critical opportunity to demonstrate the resolve and solidarity of the international community with those suffering on the ground.”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

23. “The indiscriminate attacks against civilians and the impediments against humanitarian access undermine the mutual confidence necessary for a political solution. While all actors are accountable for the protection of civilians, the Government of Syria has the primary responsibility of protecting its own citizens. The protection of civilians is an obligation under international humanitarian law. We call on all parties to provide rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, as called for in Council resolutions. In that regard, we particularly call on States that constitute the International Syria Support Group to use their influence to that end. The humanitarian situation in Syria also requires the solidarity of the international community by way of increased assistance.”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

24. “Why must Syrians endure the same suffering only weeks after the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015), which demanded that all parties immediately comply with their obligations under international law? Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made it very clear yesterday at the General Assembly that the use of food as a weapon of war is a war crime and that all sides are committing atrocious acts prohibited under international humanitarian law. Let us not forget that the success of the political process is contingent on the support of the Syrian people. Let us not lose sight of the fact that the goal of the political process and efforts undertaken in the Council are to end the suffering of the Syrian people on the ground.”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

25. “The case of Madaya and today's briefing by the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs remind us that the situation is far from resolved. In resolution 2254 (2015), adopted in December, the Council expressed its strong support for a political solution to the crisis. We look forward to the convening of the first intra-Syrian dialogue on 25 January. Japan will continue to support the efforts of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and the United Nations-facilitated political process towards a political transition based on the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex) in its entirety. The dire humanitarian situation must be addressed regardless of the political process.”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

26. “Out of a population of approximately 17 million, 12 million Syrians - half of them children - require assistance. However, for the 4.5 million who live in so-called "hard-to-reach areas, assistance reaches them only sporadically. Indeed, 400,000 individuals live under siege and lack access to humanitarian aid. That is more than 10 per cent of the population of your country, Mr. President. The town ofMadaya is but one example ofthe plight faced by countless Syrians on a daily basis. Recent images of United Nations convoys entering the town provided momentary relief. I would like to reiterate our utmost appreciation to the humanitarian aid staff, whose courageous and invaluable efforts continue to save lives. But how much longer must Syrians live at the peril of aid-delivery approvals?”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

27. “Mr. Yoshikawa (Japan) (spoke in Spanish): As this is my first opportunity to address the Security Council in an open meeting, I would like to underscore that Japan is prepared to work with you, Mr. President, and all the members of the Council to achieve international peace and security. I would also like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the important office of President of the Security Council in the first month of its work this year. We thank you for convening today's emergency meeting. (spoke in English) My sincere gratitude goes to Ms. Kyung-wha Kang for shedding light on the grave situation in Syria. The Syrian crisis, now entering its sixth year, represents one of the worst humanitarian crises of our generation. The numbers speak for themselves.”

    2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source

28. “As a member of the Security Council starting in January, we are determined to continue our assistance to Afghanistan so that the Afghan Government can achieve peace, stability and self-reliance. As the Afghan Government implements its commitments on the basis of mutual accountability and makes a crucial transition towards self-reliance, Japan stands ready to offer its support in cooperation with the international community. Finally, I wish to extend my appreciation to Special Representative Haysom and his team in Kabul for their tireless efforts.”

    2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source

29. “In that regard, Japan has been steadily supporting counter-narcotics measures in the region for the past 10 years, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries. Thirdly, human resources can lay the foundation for Afghanistan's economic development and self-reliance, and can enhance the capacity of future Government operations. To give just one example, more than 400 young Afghan Government officials have received postgraduate education in Japan under the Japan International Cooperation Agency's programme for the promotion and enhancement of the Afghan capacity for effective development.”

    2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source

30. “Afghanistanis rich inagricultural andmineralresources, but they are not fully accessed or utilized owing to many obstacles. The underdeveloped transportation infrastructure, both within and outside Afghanistan, is one such obstacle. This year, the Government of Japan and the Asian Development Bank jointly promoted preliminary studies on improving interconnectivity in the region. One such study focuses the feasibility of a railway connecting western Afghanistan to Turkmenistan, which will hopefully open the door to new economic opportunities. Another obstacle is the lack of appropriate border controls. When effectively put in place, border controls greatly enhance regional economic activity. They also help to address the illicit drug trafficking problem and its linkage with terrorist financing.”

    2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source

31. “With an investment of approximately $24 million to date, the desert has been transformed into fertile land in the span of 10 years, The Government of Japan has been cooperating with the Afghan Government and other organizations to introduce the same irrigation system in other areas of Afghanistan. Two days ago, on 19 December, Japan announced an agriculture and irrigation project worth approximately $13.5 million, covering such northern provinces as Kunduz, Baghlan and Takhar. That is one vivid example of Japan's commitment to exploring Afghanistan's potential in agriculture with a view to achieving self-reliance. Secondly, enhanced regional cooperation, with improved regional connectivity, will provide a stronger foundation for economic growth and self-reliance.”

    2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source

32. “As the former Special Representative of the Government of Japan for Afghanistan and Pakistan, I believe that Afghanistan has great potential to realize self-reliance. Allow me to elaborate by mentioning three areas. First, the agriculture sector is key to generating jobs and income, with a View to building greater social stability and significantly reducing crime. Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, a Japanese medical doctor, launched an irrigation project in the Gamberi Desert in Nangarhar province in 2003. By utilizing centuries-old traditional Japanese irrigation technology, combined with Afghanistan's own traditional methods, his Green Ground project succeeded in establishing a highly effective irrigation system.”

    2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source

33. “Since the last open debate in September (see S/PV.7526), we have seen a series of high-profile security breaches, including the one in Kunduz - the fifth largest city in Afghanistan. Improving the security situation is the most important prerequisite for the development of Afghanistan. It is crucial that an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process be advanced. In that context, Japan welcomes the positive outcome of the meeting held in Islamabad in early December. I would like to call upon all stakeholders to move the ultimate goal of peace and reconciliation forward. When I made a statement on Afghanistan at the Security Council in September, I emphasized the notion of self-reliance. My key word today is again self- reliance.”

    2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source

34. “Three years ago in Tokyo, we all agreed to achieve Afghanistan's self-reliance. In the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework, the principle of mutual accountability between Afghanistan and the international community was agreed. While Japan appreciates the progress made in various areas of priority, such as counter-corruption and electoral reform, it is disappointing that key positions, such as attorney general and defence minister, have not yet been filled. In view of the spirit of mutual accountability, I strongly hope that the Afghan Government will undertake further efforts in that regard. As described in the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2015/942) on Afghanistan, Afghan security forces continue to face challenges.”

    2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source

35. “It is essential that the Security Council remain seized of the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We strongly urge the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to respond in good faith to the concerns raised by the Council and to improve its human rights situation, which, we believe, will lead to stability in the region.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

36. “The commission of inquiry report states that hundreds of nationals from the Republic of Korea, Japan and other States have been abducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and denied the right to leave the country. I thank those speakers who expressed solidarity with the families of the abductees. Japan had high hopes last year when the Democratic People's Republic of Korea promised to commence investigations into all Japanese nationals in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, including abductees. However, almost 18 months have passed since then. This issue must be resolved without delay. Japan emphatically demands that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea return all abductees as soon as possible through an expeditious investigation.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

37. “80) The authorities of that country force ordinary citizens to suffer from fear and want, while diverting resources to nuclear and missile programmes, in violation of Security Council resolutions. The failure of any State to abide by Security Council resolutions and the universal principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms should raise legitimate concerns on the part of the Security Council. High Commissioner Zeid Al Hussein clearly stated today that the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea poses a threat to international peace and security. Human rights violations not only affect citizens of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

38. “We are deeply concerned about that predicament. Some delegations have argued that this issue has no relevance to international peace and security. And, on that point, the statement just made by the President was very powerful and persuasive. Because we strongly disagree with that argument, let me add some elements. As Under-Secretary-General Feltman pointed out, serious human rights violations serve as a warning sign of instability and conflict. According to the commission of inquiry report quoted by many previous speakers, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea "seeks to dominate every aspect of its citizens' lives and terrorizes them from within." (A/HRC/25/63, para.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

39. “The international community has continued to make the utmost efforts to improve the situation. The Office of the High Commissioner opened a field Office in Seoul, in June. I am very encouraged by the statement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights that the Seoul Office has begun collecting testimonies and documenting developments in the human rights situation. In November, the Third Committee adopted yet another draft resolution calling for the improvement of the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, with 112 Member States voting in favour. The draft resolution will be adopted in the plenary of the General Assembly next week. Unfortunately, as the High Commissioner for Human Rights mentioned in his briefing today, the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea remains unchanged.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

40. “Japan has requested to participate in today's meeting out of concern for the persistent human rights violations by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, not only upon its own citizens but also on foreign nationals, including many Japanese. The ground-breaking report of the commission of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (A/HRC/25/63), made public in February 2014, shed light on the reality of the situation on the ground from the perspective of the mistreated, the powerless and the voiceless in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Based on the report, the Security Council discussed the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the first time in December last year (see S/PV.7353). It was a historic step forward.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

41. “I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for your leadership, Madam, in convening the meeting on this year's Human Rights Day. I also thank the Security Council for its decision to take up the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the second time. The decision reflects the wish ofthe vast majority of Member States who voted in favour of General Assembly resolution 69/188, on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. My gratitude also goes to the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their sobering briefings.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

42. “We reiterate that there can be no military solution to the Syrian crisis. We therefore underline our support for the United Nations Special Envoy of the Secretary- General in his efforts to work towards a political solution, based on the implementation of the Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex). The increasing volatility in the Middle East calls for concerted effort by the international community, including the Security Council, to facilitate the return of peace and stability to the region. I would like to conclude my statement by assuring the Council that Japan will continue to play a proactive role, both on the ground and in the Council, in contributing to the peace and stability of the region.”

    2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source

43. “With particular attention to the Syrian crisis, Japan has already extended more than $1.1 billion in such assistance as relief and vocational training, with a view to empowering individuals and building communities that are resilient to the allures of extremism. Japan condemns the rampant acts of terrorism that have taken countless lives and destroyed cultural heritages throughout the region. Such heinous acts of terror have also taken Japanese victims. We note that the situation in Syria has taken on a new dimension with the military involvement of Russia. In that regard, Japan looks to Russia to strictly limit its air strikes to those against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria. Any actions against non-ISIL forces could worsen an already volatile situation in Syria and would be a cause for concern.”

    2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source

44. “At that meeting, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kishida, offered additional aid totalling $12 million and reaffirmed our commitment to play a more proactive role in the peace process. With regard to the situation in Syria, the Syrian crisis has, over the past five years, taken more than 250,000 lives and uprooted approximately 12 million citizens. In the face of one of the worst humanitarian crises of our generation, Japan will spare no efforts to address both the immediate challenges and the underlying factors of the instability. This year, Japan will provide approximately $810 million in assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons from Iraq and Syria.”

    2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source

45. “The stagnation and difficulties in the peace process must not stop us from making progress when possible. Firm in our belief that a viable economy underpins the feasibility of a two-State solution, Japan has contributed $1.6 billion in support since 1993. Through such projects as the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park, which can provide up to 7,000 jobs with annual economic benefits totalling $40 million, Japan hopes to offer real prospects for a viable Palestinian economy. Countries with the will and capacity to provide concrete contributions to the political process and on the ground can strengthen rather than dilute the traditional framework of the peace process. We therefore value the initiative taken by the Middle East Quartet to convene a high-level outreach meeting as a side event at the seventieth session of the General Assembly.”

    2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source

46. “In the light of the daily onslaught of violence, we reiterate the importance of maintaining security cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities. Furthermore, while we recognize the necessity to maintain order, we call on Israel to exercise its law enforcement with proportionate measures and to refrain from collective punishment, including the demolition of homes, which may exacerbate an already volatile situation. The current situation did not arise in a vacuum. Grim economic prospects, social marginalization, illegal settlements and the stagnation of the peace process have all served as fodder for discontent. Too often, the international community, including the Council, has remained silent. We have offered neither tangible advances towards peace nor concrete visions of a viable economy in a future State of Palestine.”

    2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source

47. “Mr. Yoshikawa (Japan) (spoke in Spanish): It is a great pleasure for me to see my friend, the Ambassador of Spain, presiding over the Security Council of the United Nations. (spoke in English) In reference to the Middle East peace process, nowhere is a political solution more overdue than in Palestine. Japan is concerned by the latest surge of violence, in particular the conflict at the holy sites, because of its potentially inflammatory implications. We welcome Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's vow to maintain the status quo at Al-Haram Al-Sharif/ Temple Mount, and Palestinian President Abbas's swift condemnation of the arson attacks against Joseph's Tomb. We call for the cessation ofviolence and condemn all forms of incitement, including those from Hamas.”

    2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source

48. “The only exceptions that I remember are France and New Zealand this year, when summaries produced by the President were shared with us. Thus I am afraid that open debates have not served their intended purpose. I therefore welcome and support your concept note (S/2015/793, annex), Mr. President, which addresses this particular issue, and especially your intention to adopt an outcome at a later stage. This is indeed what note S/2012/922 recommends. Japan has had the pleasure of serving as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions twice in the past. Once on the Council, my delegation is determined to contribute actively to the Working Group, in cooperation with other members of the Council and also with the wider United Nations membership.”

    2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source

49. “Concerning the issue of the veto, initiatives put forward - most notably by France and by the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group - on restraining its use in situations of mass atrocities have received growing support. Japan supports both these initiatives. This is the twenty-second open debate that I have had the honour to address since assuming the post of Permanent Representative of Japan two years ago. Open debates are in general a useful means for the Council to learn more about the views of non-Council members. However, most of the 22 open debates I have attended were just statement after statement, with little follow-up. Although non-Council members bring valuable input, very rarely do they receive feedback from the Council.”

    2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source

50. “I am also grateful for the work of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, chaired by the Permanent Representative of Angola. On that issue, I would like to mention that after the presidential note S/2010/507 was issued in 2010 by the Working Group under the Japanese chairship, the Working Group issued a total of 10 more notes. And yet what we have done to date is not enough. Let me refer to a couple of concrete proposals. There is a proposal on the participation of the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the chairs of the Commission's country-specific configurations. There are also proposals and a General Assembly resolution concerning the process for selecting and appointing the Secretary-General (General Assembly resolution 69/321). Many previous speakers addressed this subject.”

    2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source