Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate: “Threats to International Peace and Security Sea-Level Rise – Implication for International Peace and Security”

 
Mr. President,


I thank Minister Borg of Malta for hosting today’s High-Level Open Debate on such an important theme for island countries, including Japan. Japan commends the solidarity shown by Malta to the SIDS in addressing the impacts of sea level rise. I also thank all the other briefers for their valuable inputs.
 
The looming sea level rise is threatening people's safety and existence in various ways. Nevertheless, when we talk about international peace and security, aren't we focused only on how to prevent international armed conflict? We need to recognize that the threat of sea level rise is equally imminent and critical to such threat as invasion by a foreign nation. At the cores of both crises, human life and human dignity are at stake, and as such they are both serious security issues.
 
While it is obvious that the Security Council should get involved when such peace and security issues arise, as we have heard from Ms. Coral Pasisi the expectation towards the Security Council to play its role, but the same time it is also obvious that it does not mean that the Council alone will be able to offer comprehensive solutions. Nor can the Council directly carry out responses to climate change or to development issues. However, the Security Council, which is primary responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, can fulfill its duty by calling together the other UN bodies, including the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and the Peacebuilding Commission.
 
It is from this perspective that Japan calls for the importance of preventive diplomacy and for more robust communication between the Council and various players, including the PBC, at its Signature Event last month. As mitigation and adaptation for climate change are the prerequisites for addressing sea level rise, resilient institutions are necessary to implement them most efficiently and effectively. Japan believes that along with valuable advice from the PBC, the Council can promote sustainable peace through resilient institutions by investing in people including women, youth, and indigenous people as they are the agents to shape and promote such institutions. 
 
As a part of our efforts to strengthen institutions, Japan supports SIDS in capacity building, such as disaster risk reduction trainings for government officials, local leaders and children and young people under the Sendai Cooperation Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction Phase2, and a "Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme" for female leaders by UNITAR.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan also believes that legal stability and predictability are the necessary foundation for the island nations as well as for coastal states of continents that are exposed to various uncertainties due to sea level rise. In this context, I would like to make clear Japan’s position that it is permissible for coastal countries to preserve the existing baselines and maritime zones established under the UNCLOS, notwithstanding the regression of coastlines caused by climate change. We are confident that this interpretation is legitimate and will ensure legal stability and predictability in particular for SIDS. I am grateful that this position was welcomed by the delegation of the PIF led by The Honorable Mark Brown, Prime Minister of Cook Island, at its meeting with our Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi on Feb 6th.


Mr. President,


Japan is an island country, and as such, we fully understand the seriousness of sea level rise. Japan spares no effort to work proactively within the UN to address the issue of sea level rise particularly, and climate change and security more generally.
 
I thank you.

 

 

In the previous statements by the Chinese and Russian delegations, there were some references to the discharge of the ALPS treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the sea.
 
Japan will never approve the discharge of the water into the sea if the water does not meet regulatory standards based on international standards.
 
The IAEA and international experts have been reviewing our efforts, and the review will continue. Japan will take measures before the commencement of the discharge, as appropriate, taking into account the observations of the review to be conducted prior to discharge.
 
The water to be discharged is the water whose concentrations of radioactive materials are far below the regulatory standards.
 
Japan has been explaining this matter to the international community in a highly transparent manner based on scientific evidence and will continue doing so.
 
Madam President, as the last speaker, Japan once again would like to thank and congratulate Malta to address such an important matter like the sea-level rise and the implications for the international peace and security. I thank you.
 
          Read more on the ALPS treated water:

          1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: “Fukushima’s Progress on Safety and reconstruction”
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld3eIiK_GH4

          2. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan:
          “ALPS Treated Water”
          https://www.meti.go.jp/english/earthquake/nuclear/decommissioning/atw.html

          3. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)’s Treated Water Portal Site
          https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/decommission/progress/watertreatment/index-e.html