Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Arria Formula Meeting "Addressing the Abduction and Deportation of Children During Armed Conflict: Concrete Steps for Accountability and Prevention"

Thank you, Mr. Chair.
 
I would like to thank you and co-hosts for convening this important meeting to address the situation of children in　armed conflict. I also thank the briefers for their insights and very moving testimonies.
 
Living under armed conflict itself is already distressing enough for children, and they should never be deprived of a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. Even if they were able to return, the time they were apart would not come back and the children and families may continue to suffer from painful trauma. This dual tragedy must end now.

The abduction of children and armed conflict is often associated with other grave violations, such as recruitment and use as soldiers, killing and maiming, and rape and other forms of sexual violence. Japan urges all parties to armed conflict to fully comply with their obligations under international law and implement all Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict.
 
Early this month, we heard from the Russian Federation that they are “evacuating” children from Ukraine to ensure their safety. What we heard today is a very different story.
 
We have to reiterate that the solution to ensure the safety of children in Ukraine is for Russia to immediately stop its war of aggression against Ukraine, and not the so-called “evacuation” of children.
 
The Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concludes that Russia’s deportation of children is a violation of international humanitarian law. International humanitarian law clearly prohibits the evacuation of children with limited exceptions and the Commission of Inquiry found no evidence that Russia’s so-called “evacuation” fits those exceptions.
 
Japan will not tolerate impunity for those responsible, and perpetrators of such acts must be identified and held accountable.
 
Japan upholds the rule of law and we closely monitor with grave interest the development of the ICC investigation in Ukraine. As some briefers put it, no country, large or small, is above the law, and all should equally comply with international laws and norms and rules. As our Foreign Minister appealed January at the Security Council Chamber: “Let’s unite for the rule of law.”
 
Children must not suffer, let alone be used as a weapon of war. It is with deepest regret that we have to repeatedly make such a statement.
 
I thank you.