Statement by Mr. HAMAMOTO Yukiya, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level Meeting on Sierra Leone

2021/12/9
Thank you, Chair. I would also like to thank all the briefers for their remarks.
 
We welcome today’s meeting to follow up on Sierra Leone’s progress, with particular focus on two critical areas of peacebuilding, namely Women, Peace and Security and Youth.
 
Japan believes it is necessary to holistically address obstacles facing women and youth with focus on human security lens. The protection and empowerment of these critical segments of society are of the utmost importance. We are convinced that the PBC’s flexible engagement provides an effective platform to continue to mobilize international attention and concrete support for Sierra Leone’s efforts in this regard.
 
For women in the country, political participation, socio-economic empowerment and protection from violence are three crucial areas, which are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. We welcome Sierra Leone’s continuous efforts in all of these areas. It is commendable that the Government has been making important steps in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence and in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment, including through the adoption of the policy to mainstream gender at the national, sectoral and local levels.
 
However, more has to be done. Launching the National Action Plan in a timely manner will be an important step forward. We also hope that the country further advances its promotion of women’s political participation, including through the Gender Empowerment Bill. The international community must continue to rally around Sierra Leone in support of women.
 
Sierra Leone's young population is also a vehicle for achieving the full potential of peace. It is critical to build an enabling environment with effective, accountable and inclusive institutions in support of youth alongside the building of young people's own capacity. In particular, education and vocational training are key. It is encouraging to see important steps that have been taken by the Government, including the launching of the revised national youth policy. Meanwhile, in the face of growing vulnerabilities faced by youth and an increasing risk of violence, the international community must continue to support Sierra Leone to enhance the resilience of youth.
 
Japan has been playing its part. Japan has supported, in collaboration with UNICEF, the strengthening of institutional capacity and community resilience for prevention and response to gender based violence. Japan has also provided support of approximately 4 million USD, in collaboration with UNIDO, to promote employment opportunities for youth through vocational training in the automotive sector.
 
Japan stands ready to further support Sierra Leone's journey to sustaining peace together with our friends and partners, including our fellow PBC members.
 
I thank you, Chair.