Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation of the Sudan

I thank the Secretary General and the UN for their tireless work on the ground. I also thank SRSG Perthes, ASG Msuya, and Ms. Fatima, Permanent Observer of AU, for their insights. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those deceased, and wish a speedy recovery for the wounded.
 
I would like to mention four points.
 
First, protection of civilians. While we take note that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) largely held the three-day humanitarian ceasefire during the Eid and assured safe passage and departure of the evacuees, civilians are still under attack. Some foreign nationals were attacked during the evacuation process. A large number of civilians, including women and children, are forced to stay in an area where there is active fighting underway. Foreign nationals, international organizations and other aid agencies’ personnel, and diplomats also still remain. Japan strongly calls for the parties to protect these people, to abide by international humanitarian law and human rights law. In this regard, Japan takes note of the latest agreement by both parties to expand the ceasefire for another three days. We urge the parties to implement this agreement in good faith and stop violence, killing, and looting.
 
Second, cessation of hostilities. Japan is deeply concerned about the continued fighting between the SAF and RSF. Japan calls for the parties to realize a permanent ceasefire and return to peaceful dialogue. The Council must speak with a united voice in this regard.
 
Third, Japan highly appreciates the efforts exerted by the UN Secretary General, the UNITAMS, AU, IGAD, and other international, regional, and verious Sudanese players to realize the humanitarian ceasefire, and expects their further collaboration to the improvement of the situation. Japan is ready to work together.
 
Fourth, the Sudan-led and Sudan-owned political process must not be suspended. The return of a civilian-led transitional government is the only way forward to achieve peace and prosperity in Sudan as well as to ensure that the country receives further international assistance. Japan respects the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and is ready to contribute to the efforts of the Sudanese people in this regard. We will not, should not let Sudan fail. Continued deterioration of the situation will have unforeseeable negative impact not only on the people of Sudan but also on the region and beyond.
 
Lastly, I would like to reiterate our full support for the UN efforts in Sudan and our solidarity with the people of Sudan.
 
Before closing, allow me to thank, among others, the UN, France, the US, the UAE and ROK for their cooperation and solidarity for safe evacuation of Japanese nationals.