Explanation of Vote (after the vote) by H.E. Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the United Nations Security Council Adoption of a draft resolution on the Protection of Civilians in Sudan

 

 
Thank you, The Right Honourable David Lammy, President of the Security Council, for giving me the floor.

We commend Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom as the co-penholders for leading the Security Council to promote protection of civilians in Sudan by responding to the Secretary-General’s recommendations.

Japan voted in favour of the draft resolution because we are gravely concerned about the prolonged dire humanitarian and human rights situation in Sudan. We believe that the Security Council must fulfil its responsibility and take action in response to this tragedy as soon as possible.
 
Japan engaged in the negotiations constructively. We therefore regret that this Council was not able to adopt the resolution due to casting veto by Russia in spite of the Council members’ active diplomacy.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan supports and encourages the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy Mr. Lamamra to further engage the parties to the conflict as well as the African Union and other key stakeholders. Japan's Special Envoy for Horn of Africa recently visited Sudan and urged General Burhan for ceasefire and improvement of humanitarian access.

Japan also would like to stress protection of the safety, security and freedom of movement of all humanitarian personnel and commodities. To this end, Japan calls on the parties to the conflict to ensure full, rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access including cross-border and crossline activities.
 
Mr. President,
 
As Japan’s current Security Council term nears its end, we encourage fellow remaining and incoming Council members to further develop concrete steps for protection of civilians in Sudan.

To conclude, I reiterate Japan’s strong commitment to the people of Sudan. Japan will not leave them behind as a responsible Member State, which unwaveringly supports human security and dignity.
 
I thank you.