Statement by H.E. Ambassador HOSHINO Toshiya, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the 2020 Annual Session of the UNICEF Executive Board

 
At the outset, Japan would like to appreciate UNICEF’s leadership and staff for their tireless and tenacious efforts to save lives and protect the rights of children, particularly in this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Madam President,
 
The rapid global spread of COVID-19 is an unprecedented human security crisis which poses a serious threat not only to people’s survival, but also to their livelihoods and dignity. An inclusive approach based on the concept of human security, focusing on the protection and empowerment of all the individuals, is especially important so that the most vulnerable among us are not left behind.
 
In this context, Japan has swiftly provided UNICEF with emergency assistance totaling 112 million US dollars, the single largest contribution to UNICEF to date, for its efforts to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on children and vulnerable families. This is part of more than 1.54 billion US dollars from Japan to developing countries to tackle COVID-19. We hope that UNICEF will make good use of it in reaching the furthest behind and save their lives.
 
We must look for silver linings to COVID-19. This crisis has provided us opportunities to innovate and implement social and economic transformation via the digital revolution, such as distance learning and online medical services. We hope UNICEF will continue its efforts to accelerate the pace of innovation in order to contribute to saving lives and enhancing equal opportunities for children.
 
Madam President,
 
Last but not least, I would like to stress that COVID-19 is just one of many threats to the lives and well-being of children. Many children still live under the shadows of extreme poverty, conflict, natural disaster and all manner of violence, exploitation and abuse. Japan considers it important for the international community to make concerted efforts to address the multifaceted issues facing children under the rubric of broader human security perspective in collaboration with UNICEF. Japan remains committed to its close cooperative relationship with UNICEF and will continue to support its activities in all avenues.
 
 I thank you.