Statement by H.E. Ambassador Kimihiro ISHIKANE, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Arria Formula Meeting on Myanmar
2021/4/9
Mr. President,
Japan strongly condemns the use of force against civilians by the Myanmar military and police, which continues to cause a large number of deaths and injuries in the country, despite repeated calls by the international community including by the Secretary-General and this Council. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and express my heartfelt sympathies to the injured.
The shooting of civilians, the inhumane treatment of detainees, and the strict crackdown on media activities by the Myanmar military and police are actions that contradict the military’s own official statements about the importance of democracy. The Myanmar military leadership should recall that the military is an organization for protecting the lives of its people from foreign threats.
The use of live ammunition against peaceful protests can never be tolerated. Japan once again strongly urges the Myanmar military to immediately stop resorting to violence against civilians. We have a strong concern that the continuing and intensifying violence will leave long lasting damages on the society of Myanmar, reversing precious achievements Myanmar people have made and may lead to a destabilizing situation, which is not only extremely unfortunate for the people of Myanmar but also for the region as a whole. Japan also strongly urges the Myanmar military to release those who are detained including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system.
Furthermore, Japan is concerned about the negative impact of the current political and social unrest on people’s lives, especially given the human security crisis caused by COVID-19. We urge the Myanmar authorities to provide necessary protection for those people in need and secure access for humanitarian activities in the field.
Japan appreciates and welcomes the efforts made by ASEAN and Special Envoy for Myanmar to resolve the situation. Japan is committed to playing its role, in close cooperation with the countries in the region, and other partners who share the strong concerns over the current situation, for the quick recovery of peace and democratic process that reflects the wishes of the people of Myanmar.
I thank you.
Japan strongly condemns the use of force against civilians by the Myanmar military and police, which continues to cause a large number of deaths and injuries in the country, despite repeated calls by the international community including by the Secretary-General and this Council. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and express my heartfelt sympathies to the injured.
The shooting of civilians, the inhumane treatment of detainees, and the strict crackdown on media activities by the Myanmar military and police are actions that contradict the military’s own official statements about the importance of democracy. The Myanmar military leadership should recall that the military is an organization for protecting the lives of its people from foreign threats.
The use of live ammunition against peaceful protests can never be tolerated. Japan once again strongly urges the Myanmar military to immediately stop resorting to violence against civilians. We have a strong concern that the continuing and intensifying violence will leave long lasting damages on the society of Myanmar, reversing precious achievements Myanmar people have made and may lead to a destabilizing situation, which is not only extremely unfortunate for the people of Myanmar but also for the region as a whole. Japan also strongly urges the Myanmar military to release those who are detained including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system.
Furthermore, Japan is concerned about the negative impact of the current political and social unrest on people’s lives, especially given the human security crisis caused by COVID-19. We urge the Myanmar authorities to provide necessary protection for those people in need and secure access for humanitarian activities in the field.
Japan appreciates and welcomes the efforts made by ASEAN and Special Envoy for Myanmar to resolve the situation. Japan is committed to playing its role, in close cooperation with the countries in the region, and other partners who share the strong concerns over the current situation, for the quick recovery of peace and democratic process that reflects the wishes of the people of Myanmar.
I thank you.