Statement by Mr. IRIYA Takayuki, Political Coordinator of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on “Briefings by Chairs of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council”

I thank the Chairs of the Committees for their comprehensive briefings and for their leadership. While each of these committees has a distinct mandate, their common purpose is to address the threats to international peace and security posed by terrorist groups and non-State actors.

First, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011), and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL, Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities continues to play an important role in countering terrorism.

Japan thanks the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Ombudsperson for their work and welcomes the extension of their mandates this June.

Resolution 2734 (2024) clearly recognized that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) may be eligible for designation in the 1267 sanctions list, when such acts are being used by ISIL or Al-Qaida as a tactic of terrorism. This resolution is an important milestone to take concrete actions against SGBV, and Japan encourages the active usage of the 1267 sanctions regime.

Ensuring the swift and robust implementation of sanctions measures by Member States is always our priority. Japan stresses the importance of continuous improvement of the ways by which notifications of updates to the list are transmitted. We thank the Secretariat for their efforts and we continue our engagement on this issue.

Second, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) also plays a vital role in assisting the efforts of Member States to combat terrorism.

Japan emphasizes the importance of the CTC’s continued focus on new and emerging technologies. We are pleased to note that the CTC was able to reach a consensus on “the non-binding guiding principles on threats posed by the use of unmanned aircraft systems for terrorist purposes” last year. Japan remains committed to engage in discussions constructively on developing non-binding guiding principles as expressed in the Delhi Declaration.

Also, Japan appreciates the efforts by the Chair of the CTC as well as the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). An inclusive and consultative approach with partners including civil society and academia is the key to successful counter terrorism efforts. The CTC can enhance its working methods.

Third, resolution 1540 continues to play a significant role in the global non-proliferation regime. Japan highly appreciates the work of the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts, including the Open Briefing last month, in engaging with broader Member States and stakeholders to facilitate the full implementation of resolution 1540. To support this goal, Japan provides strong assistance including voluntary contribution to the UNODA.

Let me draw your attention to the ongoing process to fill one current and two upcoming vacant positions in the Group of Experts. The Committee has been unable to appoint a new expert for the current vacant position since last year. Moreover, we continue to see the Group’s failure to participate in some outreach events. These issues, often made happen by a lack of consensus, inhibit the Committee’s important functions to fulfill its mandates.

In this regard, Japan highly appreciates Ecuador’s chairmanship to seek a solution in a transparent and inclusive manner. Japan stresses the need for the Committee members’ responsible action and consideration to resolve this situation, refraining from obstructionism. In particular, it is our sincere hope that the Committee can fill the remaining vacancy of the Group of Experts with our strong candidates. We will continue to constructively contribute to the Committee’s discussions and efforts to enhance the implementation of resolution 1540.

Japan will spare no effort to prevent and counter terrorism, a task that is integral to the realization of a peaceful and stable international community where all human beings can live without fear from terror.
 
I thank you.