STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. TSUNEO NISHIDA
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE MEETING OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL
ON THE QUESTION CONCERNING HAITI

13 September 2010

Mr. President,

           At the outset, I would like to extend my appreciation to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mulet, Head of MINUSTAH, for his informative and comprehensive briefing. I also would like to express my respect for the men and women of MINUSTAH for the commitment and fortitude they demonstrated in the difficult situation following the earthquake.

           In addition, I welcome that the Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean is appointed as Special Envoy to Haiti for UNESCO and will start her work soon.

           I welcome the Secretary-General’s Report on MINUSTAH issued this month. As the report mentions, the most immediate challenge in Haiti is the organization of the presidential and legislative elections scheduled to take place on 28 November.

           Political stability is an essential component for overall stabilization in Haiti, and these elections are prerequisite for the achievement of political stability. In this regard, the elections must be implemented in a fair, transparent and secure manner and ensure the large participation of the Haitian people.

           From this point of view, we encourage MINUSTAH, in collaboration with the international community, to provide necessary technical, logistic and security assistance to the Government of Haiti for the smooth implementation of the elections. Japan also would like to cooperate with the government of Haiti, MINUSTAH and the other international organizations for the success of the elections.

Mr. President,

           Japan commends MINUSTAH and the troop and police-contributing countries for their success in maintaining relative calm in the security situation in Haiti. At the same time, we wish to express our concern regarding the occurrence of sexual violence and forced eviction with violence in IDP camps, the presence of some escaped inmates from collapsed prisons and the increased incidence of drug transshipment and kidnappings.

           In that connection, we welcome that the cooperation between Dominican and Haitian police has been improved under the auspices of MINUSTAH. Haiti cannot be reconstructed in the absence of a stable security situation. We therefore urge MINUSTAH to exert all efforts to maintain a secure environment and to provide sufficient capacity-building support for the Haitian National Police (HNP).

Japan also takes note of the ongoing activities for the provision of logistical support and technical expertise by MINUSTAH to rule of law institutions of the Haitian Government, in accordance with resolution 1927.

           We acknowledge as well the opinion of the Secretary-General that current troop and police levels should be maintained until the assessment of the security environment takes place after the installation of the new government.

           The mandate of MINUSTAH will be considered for renewal in mid-October. Japan will support the extension of the mandate and will participate in the Security Council discussion on the matter in a constructive manner

Mr. President,

The Government of Japan has dispatched approximately 330 personnel comprising a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force engineer squadron, and this SDF contingent has made a contribution to the reconstruction of Haiti by carrying out tasks such as removal of debris, dismantling of damaged buildings, repair of facilities in IDP camps and repair of roads on the border with the Dominican Republic.

           In addition, the Government of Japan has continued to fulfill its commitment to the people of Haiti through the provision of temporary housing, implementation of counter-infection measures, food distribution and the dispatch of disaster protection experts. The Government of Japan also recently decided to support the border control capacity in Haiti by providing necessary equipment to police stations.

           I strongly believe that these activities will contribute to accelerating Haiti’s reconstruction process.

Mr. President,

           More than eight months have passed since the catastrophe occurred, and we recognize that reconstruction efforts should be further accelerated, ensuring continuous provision of necessary humanitarian support to the Haitian people. There are high expectations of MINUSTAH in this regard, and we call on MINUSTAH to continue to utilize its maximum capacity within its mandate for Haiti’s reconstruction.

           We welcome that the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC) was established in April and began its work to play a role in coordinating the long-term reconstruction efforts.

           To realize Haiti’s reconstruction, continuous international involvement is essential.

           From this point of view, the Government of Japan, in close cooperation with the Government of Haiti, the IHRC, MINUSTAH and the international community, will continue to provide support for the reconstruction of Haiti, drawing on its experience and knowledge as an earthquake-prone country and placing particular importance on the fields of education, medical care, employment and rule of law.

           Thank you.