Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the DRC
2023/6/26
I would like to express my gratitude to ASG Pobee for her briefing, and I welcome the participation of representative from Rwanda.
We continue to observe, with deep concern, brutal human rights violations and abuses, and the consequent humanitarian crises caused by numerous armed groups which are increasing their activities particularly these days. The recent attack on the IDP camp in Ituri Province attributed to the members of the Coopérative pour le Développement du Congo (CODECO) is one such appalling incident, and we once again condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms. MONUSCO remains an anchor for international efforts to stabilize the increasingly volatile environment, and Japan continues to fully support its role.
In July, this Council is expected to receive the Secretary General’s report on options for MONUSCO’s reconfiguration and the United Nations’ future role in the DRC. We all share a recognition of the importance of close and constructive cooperation among all the stakeholders to make transition smooth, responsible and sustainable. Keeping that in mind, I would like to highlight the following points relating to the MONUSCO’s strategic priorities today.
First of all, achieving a cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians are of the utmost importance. Support of any kind to armed groups exacerbates already worsening regional situation, and must stop immediately. While various security entities are on the ground including East African Community regional forces, national security forces bear the primary responsibility for protecting civilians. All security efforts should be well coordinated under the leadership of the DRC Government.
Further implementation of the national Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery, and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S) is vital to achieve a sustainable peace. There is an urgent need for progress in Government-led Security Sector Reform. The presence of accessible, reliable, and professional police is a corner stone of social order and stability in any foreseeable transition. Japan has been a long-term partner for institution building in this sector. Programs by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, in collaboration with the IOM and the PBF, to help establish community policing have reached Tanganika Province, from which MONUSCO withdrew last year.
Second, the already-started national and local election process should become an opportunity to layout a common future for all rather than to divide populations further. The elections of able local leaders who can garner people’s confidence is a prerequisite for better local governance and sustainable peace. This is even more true in the eastern DRC due to its chronic instability. While the preparation for elections accelerates, obstructions of legitimate political campaigns and incitement must be avoided. Japan, in partnership with the UNDP, plays its part to support the Government’s efforts to conduct free, fair, and safe elections in an inclusive manner by providing capacity building and related equipment.
Finally, we must remain vigilant against ongoing human security crises. The worsening security environment in the eastern DRC, triggered by the activities of armed groups, has caused a massive outflow of refugees into neighboring countries. We need an integrated regional approach to address this humanitarian challenge. In this regards, we welcome the tripartite meeting in May between the DRC, Rwanda and UNHCR to discuss related issues. To support such efforts, Japan has been implementing projects responding to basic human needs such as water, food and shelter in addition to health service in those neighboring countries.
Japan remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. We will continue working together with MONUSCO and all the countries in the region to achieve sustainable peace and stability.
I thank you.
We continue to observe, with deep concern, brutal human rights violations and abuses, and the consequent humanitarian crises caused by numerous armed groups which are increasing their activities particularly these days. The recent attack on the IDP camp in Ituri Province attributed to the members of the Coopérative pour le Développement du Congo (CODECO) is one such appalling incident, and we once again condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms. MONUSCO remains an anchor for international efforts to stabilize the increasingly volatile environment, and Japan continues to fully support its role.
In July, this Council is expected to receive the Secretary General’s report on options for MONUSCO’s reconfiguration and the United Nations’ future role in the DRC. We all share a recognition of the importance of close and constructive cooperation among all the stakeholders to make transition smooth, responsible and sustainable. Keeping that in mind, I would like to highlight the following points relating to the MONUSCO’s strategic priorities today.
First of all, achieving a cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians are of the utmost importance. Support of any kind to armed groups exacerbates already worsening regional situation, and must stop immediately. While various security entities are on the ground including East African Community regional forces, national security forces bear the primary responsibility for protecting civilians. All security efforts should be well coordinated under the leadership of the DRC Government.
Further implementation of the national Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery, and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S) is vital to achieve a sustainable peace. There is an urgent need for progress in Government-led Security Sector Reform. The presence of accessible, reliable, and professional police is a corner stone of social order and stability in any foreseeable transition. Japan has been a long-term partner for institution building in this sector. Programs by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, in collaboration with the IOM and the PBF, to help establish community policing have reached Tanganika Province, from which MONUSCO withdrew last year.
Second, the already-started national and local election process should become an opportunity to layout a common future for all rather than to divide populations further. The elections of able local leaders who can garner people’s confidence is a prerequisite for better local governance and sustainable peace. This is even more true in the eastern DRC due to its chronic instability. While the preparation for elections accelerates, obstructions of legitimate political campaigns and incitement must be avoided. Japan, in partnership with the UNDP, plays its part to support the Government’s efforts to conduct free, fair, and safe elections in an inclusive manner by providing capacity building and related equipment.
Finally, we must remain vigilant against ongoing human security crises. The worsening security environment in the eastern DRC, triggered by the activities of armed groups, has caused a massive outflow of refugees into neighboring countries. We need an integrated regional approach to address this humanitarian challenge. In this regards, we welcome the tripartite meeting in May between the DRC, Rwanda and UNHCR to discuss related issues. To support such efforts, Japan has been implementing projects responding to basic human needs such as water, food and shelter in addition to health service in those neighboring countries.
Japan remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. We will continue working together with MONUSCO and all the countries in the region to achieve sustainable peace and stability.
I thank you.