Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Briefing to the Security Council on the Humanitarian Situation of Ukraine
2023/5/15
(As delivered)
Madam President,
I thank Mr. Martin Griffiths for his insightful briefing.
It is with profound concern that we continue to witness Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, constituting a flagrant violation of international law including the UN Charter.
Russia should stop the war they started. Japan denounces Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure and urban centers across Ukraine. The attacks on housing complexes, hospitals, schools, energy facilities, and other essential installations for life jeopardizes the welfare and future of the Ukrainian people.
We once again recall that indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilian populations constitute a war crime. There must be no impunity for war crimes and other acts of atrocities. Russia must be held accountable.
We further condemn all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses, urging all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian principles.
To restore a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Japan is committed to the rapid recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. We will continue to steadily implement humanitarian, financial and other assistance, totaling 7.6 billion US Dollars, to support Ukraine in various fields, including electricity, mine actions and agriculture.
Madam President,
The challenges we face today are very complex, but Russia's aggression against Ukraine has exacerbated the global food security crisis and caused high inflation. To respond to this urgent issue, the Black Sea Grain Initiative has played a pivotal role in mitigating the repercussions on the world's food supply.
The Initiative has adeptly facilitated the export of over 30 million metric tons of grain from Ukrainian ports, allocating over 56% of these food exports to developing countries. Consequently, the Initiative has not only contributed to the reduction of global food prices but also provided essential support to those severely affected by the war, particularly in developing countries.
Japan commends the unwavering dedication of the Secretary-General, Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Grynspan, to upholding the Initiative's continuity and integrity. We also extend our appreciation to the Government of Türkiye for their diplomatic and operational assistance to the Initiative.
In line with the efforts to prevent further deterioration of food crisis, Japan actively contributes to providing emergency food assistance and enhancing the resilience of the international community including vulnerable member states and has so far committed over 250 million US Dollars of assistance.
It is truly regrettable that Russia opposed to a 120-day automatic extension of the Initiative in March. It is also deeply concerning that since May 1, the JCC inspection rate has dropped significantly, indicating not only Russia’s unwillingness to facilitate inspections and movements of ships, but also the intention to suspend the Initiative. The prospect of suspension is alarming, as it disregards the potential catastrophic consequences for global food supplies.
To avert global hunger and tackle food insecurity, we must ensure the safe and smooth passage of vessels transporting grain, related foodstuffs and fertilizers from designated Ukrainian ports by sustaining the Initiative's operations. Japan calls on all relevant parties, particularly Russia, to act responsibly to ensure the continuation of the Initiative.
Madam President,
The anguish endured by Ukraine and the subsequent strain on global food security must cease. Japan reaffirms its unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive support and standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We pledge to continue our endeavors to secure global food supplies, thereby contributing to stabilizing global markets, preventing poverty, containing social instability and the maintenance of international peace and security.
I thank you.
I thank Mr. Martin Griffiths for his insightful briefing.
It is with profound concern that we continue to witness Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, constituting a flagrant violation of international law including the UN Charter.
Russia should stop the war they started. Japan denounces Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure and urban centers across Ukraine. The attacks on housing complexes, hospitals, schools, energy facilities, and other essential installations for life jeopardizes the welfare and future of the Ukrainian people.
We once again recall that indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilian populations constitute a war crime. There must be no impunity for war crimes and other acts of atrocities. Russia must be held accountable.
We further condemn all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses, urging all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian principles.
To restore a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Japan is committed to the rapid recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. We will continue to steadily implement humanitarian, financial and other assistance, totaling 7.6 billion US Dollars, to support Ukraine in various fields, including electricity, mine actions and agriculture.
Madam President,
The challenges we face today are very complex, but Russia's aggression against Ukraine has exacerbated the global food security crisis and caused high inflation. To respond to this urgent issue, the Black Sea Grain Initiative has played a pivotal role in mitigating the repercussions on the world's food supply.
The Initiative has adeptly facilitated the export of over 30 million metric tons of grain from Ukrainian ports, allocating over 56% of these food exports to developing countries. Consequently, the Initiative has not only contributed to the reduction of global food prices but also provided essential support to those severely affected by the war, particularly in developing countries.
Japan commends the unwavering dedication of the Secretary-General, Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Grynspan, to upholding the Initiative's continuity and integrity. We also extend our appreciation to the Government of Türkiye for their diplomatic and operational assistance to the Initiative.
In line with the efforts to prevent further deterioration of food crisis, Japan actively contributes to providing emergency food assistance and enhancing the resilience of the international community including vulnerable member states and has so far committed over 250 million US Dollars of assistance.
It is truly regrettable that Russia opposed to a 120-day automatic extension of the Initiative in March. It is also deeply concerning that since May 1, the JCC inspection rate has dropped significantly, indicating not only Russia’s unwillingness to facilitate inspections and movements of ships, but also the intention to suspend the Initiative. The prospect of suspension is alarming, as it disregards the potential catastrophic consequences for global food supplies.
To avert global hunger and tackle food insecurity, we must ensure the safe and smooth passage of vessels transporting grain, related foodstuffs and fertilizers from designated Ukrainian ports by sustaining the Initiative's operations. Japan calls on all relevant parties, particularly Russia, to act responsibly to ensure the continuation of the Initiative.
Madam President,
The anguish endured by Ukraine and the subsequent strain on global food security must cease. Japan reaffirms its unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive support and standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We pledge to continue our endeavors to secure global food supplies, thereby contributing to stabilizing global markets, preventing poverty, containing social instability and the maintenance of international peace and security.
I thank you.