Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda Item “Threats to International Peace and Security”
2023/6/23
(As delivered)
Madam President,
I thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing.
Today marks one year and four months since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Since then, the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are protected under the UN Charter.
But more importantly, they have been fighting for their own lives, family and friends, and peace, which was all of a sudden broken by Russia. Here and now, we reaffirm our resolute solidarity and support for Ukraine.
We once again express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the collapse of the dam at Kakhovka Hydroelectric power plant for their loss and suffering, destroying efforts of Ukrainians who strenuously worked for their future. We express our profound concerns over the reported shelling during the evacuation and Russia’s denial of access to affected areas for the UN humanitarian aid as stated by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown.
In response to the crisis, Japan immediately decided to provide an emergency humanitarian assistance of 5 million US dollars in such areas as food, water and sanitation, and health through WFP, UNICEF, IOM and UNHCR. We sincerely hope our assistance together with other ones be swiftly delivered to the people in need without hindrance.
In addition, Japan will provide approximately 160 water purifiers, 30 drain pumps, 4,000 plastic water containers and 20 large water tanks through JICA as well as 530 generators and 30 construction machines along with awareness-raising activities as a mine action for local people through UNDP.
Madam President,
Russia’s aggression has had a negative impact on people all around the world, and we are taking steps to support partners worldwide as they respond to the suffering it has caused. We are also building on the success of our efforts to ensure that Russia is no longer able to weaponize the availability of energy and food supplies against us and against the world.
Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to do everything we can to stop or mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on Ukraine and on the rest of the world. And in this regard, the Black Sea Initiative has to continue without delay.
Madam President,
Japan values the serious engagement efforts of many countries including the African leaders in realizing peace in Ukraine. We would like to underline that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace cannot be realized without the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment. This is the demand of the General Assembly and should be included accordingly in any call for peace.
Peace must be based on the principles of the UN Charter, and in this regard, an unjust peace which defies the Charter would be a victory for the aggressor. Any attempts to change the status quo of territory by force or coercion must be rejected anywhere in the world. Other Member States should also refrain from supporting the aggression either directly or indirectly.
Madam President,
Recently Belarus announced that they started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Japan condemns Russia’s threat to use nuclear weapons as a serious and unacceptable menace to the peace and security of the international community. The record of 77 years of non-use of nuclear weapons must not be broken.
We urge Russia and Belarus to cease any actions that may increase tensions.
Madam President,
It is Russia that initiated this unprovoked aggression. It must stop the aggression right here and now. No other way than ending the aggression could eliminate the root cause of the immense suffering. There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. Justice must be done, and those who are responsible for the undeniable atrocities must be held accountable.
I thank you.
I thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing.
Today marks one year and four months since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Since then, the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are protected under the UN Charter.
But more importantly, they have been fighting for their own lives, family and friends, and peace, which was all of a sudden broken by Russia. Here and now, we reaffirm our resolute solidarity and support for Ukraine.
We once again express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the collapse of the dam at Kakhovka Hydroelectric power plant for their loss and suffering, destroying efforts of Ukrainians who strenuously worked for their future. We express our profound concerns over the reported shelling during the evacuation and Russia’s denial of access to affected areas for the UN humanitarian aid as stated by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown.
In response to the crisis, Japan immediately decided to provide an emergency humanitarian assistance of 5 million US dollars in such areas as food, water and sanitation, and health through WFP, UNICEF, IOM and UNHCR. We sincerely hope our assistance together with other ones be swiftly delivered to the people in need without hindrance.
In addition, Japan will provide approximately 160 water purifiers, 30 drain pumps, 4,000 plastic water containers and 20 large water tanks through JICA as well as 530 generators and 30 construction machines along with awareness-raising activities as a mine action for local people through UNDP.
Madam President,
Russia’s aggression has had a negative impact on people all around the world, and we are taking steps to support partners worldwide as they respond to the suffering it has caused. We are also building on the success of our efforts to ensure that Russia is no longer able to weaponize the availability of energy and food supplies against us and against the world.
Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to do everything we can to stop or mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on Ukraine and on the rest of the world. And in this regard, the Black Sea Initiative has to continue without delay.
Madam President,
Japan values the serious engagement efforts of many countries including the African leaders in realizing peace in Ukraine. We would like to underline that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace cannot be realized without the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment. This is the demand of the General Assembly and should be included accordingly in any call for peace.
Peace must be based on the principles of the UN Charter, and in this regard, an unjust peace which defies the Charter would be a victory for the aggressor. Any attempts to change the status quo of territory by force or coercion must be rejected anywhere in the world. Other Member States should also refrain from supporting the aggression either directly or indirectly.
Madam President,
Recently Belarus announced that they started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Japan condemns Russia’s threat to use nuclear weapons as a serious and unacceptable menace to the peace and security of the international community. The record of 77 years of non-use of nuclear weapons must not be broken.
We urge Russia and Belarus to cease any actions that may increase tensions.
Madam President,
It is Russia that initiated this unprovoked aggression. It must stop the aggression right here and now. No other way than ending the aggression could eliminate the root cause of the immense suffering. There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. Justice must be done, and those who are responsible for the undeniable atrocities must be held accountable.
I thank you.