Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda item “The situation in Mali”

I thank Special Representative Wane for the insightful briefing. I also welcome the participation of Minister Diop.
 
First, I wish to pay tribute to MINUSMA’s personnel who are working in one of the most dangerous UN Missions in the world. We honour those who have perished in the line of duty, most recently the two peacekeepers from Burkina Faso.
 
Madam President,
 
Today I want to highlight three points.
 
First, long-term stability cannot be achieved without a return to constitutional order. The support MINUSMA provides for the electoral process is essential. We join ECOWAS and the African Union in welcoming the constitutional referendum to be held this Sunday and commend the efforts made by the Malian transitional authorities in this regard. We expect all stakeholders to take advantage of this important step in the transition timetable and continue to make every effort towards holding inclusive, transparent and peaceful elections.
 
The second point concerns the stalled implementation of the Peace Agreement. The Agreement is the only existing framework to achieve durable peace and reconciliation. We call on transitional authorities and the signatory parties to expeditiously resume talks. Strengthened dialogue and steady implementation of the Agreement will build mutual trust which is essential for stability. We appreciate the work of the International Mediation, and encourage them to accelerate their efforts to build confidence in the process.
 
Third, we are deeply concerned about the security and humanitarian situation. Terror attacks continue unabated, as do human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence and crimes against children. Japan notes the Malian-led stabilization efforts and the support provided by MINUSMA including on joint patrols, protection of civilians, and securing access for humanitarian organizations.
 
Nevertheless, military efforts to tackle insecurity, whether by Malian defence forces or foreign security forces, must respect human rights. We are deeply disturbed by the findings in the Moura report, and echo the Secretary-General’s call to the transitional authorities for an early completion of a credible and transparent investigation and the swift publication of the results in order to hold perpetrators accountable.
 
Madam President,
 
In order to achieve sustainable peace and stability, building people’s trust through establishing democratic governance with resilient and accountable institutions and providing basic social services is key. And to achieve this, the points I have highlighted today - a return to constitutional order, advancing the peace process, and addressing the security and humanitarian situation - must proceed together.
 
MINUSMA has been playing a crucial role on all three points. At the same time, we are cognizant of the difficulties the Mission is facing. We reiterate our request to the Malian transitional authorities to further cooperate with MINUSMA to enable it to execute its mandate without undue restrictions and constraints.
 
Japan believes MINUSMA’s work remains highly relevant and important for the people of Mali as the country strives towards sustainable peace and stability. As the Council is tasked with the Mission’s mandate renewal this month, we, the Council, need to assess and candidly discuss the best way forward in order to contribute to the stability that Malians deserve. We need to adorn MINUSMA with a clear and realistic mandate in a unified voice and give a robust support with a concerted message.
 
Japan remains committed to engage with our colleagues and all stakeholders with the best interest of the Malian people at heart.
 
I thank you.