Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda item “The situation in the Middle East (Syria)”
2023/1/25
(As delivered)
As 2023 begins, Japan hopes that a new year will bring new momentum. Japan welcomes the unanimity the Council showed in renewing the cross-border aid mechanism earlier this month, and we hope this solidarity can be sustained, including when it comes time to renew this mechanism again in July regardless of the divergence of views on the political front.
As we approach 12 years since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis, the country is shattered and the suffering of its people is beyond measure. There are no winners in this conflict. More than half of all Syrians are refugees or internally displaced, cholera and COVID-19 have spread widely, and the economy has collapsed.
We are fully aware of the enormous humanitarian needs in Syria, including for early recovery activities such as the restoration of schools, hospitals, water and electric facilities; the removal of landmines and debris; and the provision of emergency medical assistance.
Nevertheless, history has proven that conflicts eventually end, and that it is possible to rebuild. To this end, Japan urges all parties, especially the Syrian authorities, to engage meaningfully in an inclusive UN-facilitated political process in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254. Japan calls on the Council to unite in support of the efforts of Special Envoy Pedersen.
The Council must also work to ensure that the Constitutional Committee makes real progress. Japan strongly encourages the Syrian government to address in good faith the issue of detainees and missing persons and create a conducive environment for the return of refugees. In this vein, Japan notes with appreciation the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a new mechanism to discover the fate of the missing in Syria and provide support to victims, survivors, and their families. Japan also takes note of a series of announcements by the Syrian government on the amnesty, and strongly hopes for its implementation in an expeditious and verifiable manner.
Syria has a rich history and civilization dating back millennia. Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world. Aleppo was once a vibrant center of commerce. Let us remember that not just Syria’s present but also its future are at stake. Today millions of children cannot attend school. We the Council members must make our utmost efforts to seek a political solution in a humble and constructive manner, so that the day comes swiftly where these children can resume their education and all Syrians can live in peace.