Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: Promoting Implementation of Security Council Resolution on CRSV”
2023/7/14
(As delivered)
Mr. President,
I thank you for convening this important open debate on conflict-related sexual violence, and SRSG Patten and the civil society representatives for their comprehensive briefings.
Sexual violence in conflict is a serious crime that violates human dignity, and consequently threatens international peace and security. Japan is deeply concerned with the latest Secretary-General’s report pointing out the alarming persistence of sexual violence and weakening of the rule of law in countries in conflict such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan and Ukraine.
In the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, we profoundly regret that the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine have documented in detail and brought to light the distressing reality of sexual violence as a method of torture and inhumane treatment inflicted upon innocent civilians and prisoners of war. In this regard, it is welcoming that Ms. Patten signed a Framework of Cooperation with the Government of Ukraine to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.
Mr. President,
Japan has consistently demonstrated its proactive stance in addressing CRSV and has adhered to pertinent Security Council resolutions.
We firmly believe that establishing robust judicial institutions and holding perpetrators accountable is crucial in deterring CRSV, a principle emphasized in numerous resolutions, including Resolution 2467.
To translate this belief into action, Japan has played a pivotal role in supporting the operation of the International Criminal Court and stands as its largest financial contributor. Since 2014, Japan has also lent support to the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, operating under the office of the SRSG-SVC. Through this engagement, Japan has actively bolstered judiciaries in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, Somalia, and Iraq, with the aim of enabling effective prosecution of perpetrators. One of the concrete outcomes through these efforts is the implementation of charges against the leader of an armed group following a mobile court hearing in the DRC.
Recognizing the significance of addressing the practical needs of survivors who continue to endure immense suffering, Japan places utmost importance on providing timely and comprehensive assistance. We have supported CRSV survivors through initiatives such as UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, focusing on areas like psychosocial care and access to justice, whose invaluable works are currently displayed in the South Lobby under the title “A Conflict-related Sexual Violence Survivor’s Journey.” Additionally, Japan actively contributes to multilateral frameworks, including the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and the Trust Fund for Victims of the ICC.
I am pleased to emphasize that the endeavors mentioned above are well represented in a key component of Japan's third National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), which was unveiled in April of this year. Furthermore, this recent Action Plan specifically acknowledges the importance of providing support to survivors, encompassing individuals of all genders, including males and those who identify as gender non-conforming. We are committed to the implementation of the Action Plan in a transparent manner by ensuring periodic external evaluations and feedback from civil society.
Mr. President,
A holistic response to CRSV requires cooperation across Member States, the UN system, CSOs, and other stakeholders. Japan demonstrated this cooperation by successfully co-facilitating the General Assembly Resolution 76/304 on international cooperation for access to justice, remedies and assistance for survivors of sexual violence.
In conclusion, Japan will continue to make its utmost efforts to eliminate CRSV, including by promoting the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, wherever they take place.
As has been stated by today's civil society representatives, our approach should be consistent; no double standards.
I thank you.
I thank you for convening this important open debate on conflict-related sexual violence, and SRSG Patten and the civil society representatives for their comprehensive briefings.
Sexual violence in conflict is a serious crime that violates human dignity, and consequently threatens international peace and security. Japan is deeply concerned with the latest Secretary-General’s report pointing out the alarming persistence of sexual violence and weakening of the rule of law in countries in conflict such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan and Ukraine.
In the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, we profoundly regret that the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine have documented in detail and brought to light the distressing reality of sexual violence as a method of torture and inhumane treatment inflicted upon innocent civilians and prisoners of war. In this regard, it is welcoming that Ms. Patten signed a Framework of Cooperation with the Government of Ukraine to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.
Mr. President,
Japan has consistently demonstrated its proactive stance in addressing CRSV and has adhered to pertinent Security Council resolutions.
We firmly believe that establishing robust judicial institutions and holding perpetrators accountable is crucial in deterring CRSV, a principle emphasized in numerous resolutions, including Resolution 2467.
To translate this belief into action, Japan has played a pivotal role in supporting the operation of the International Criminal Court and stands as its largest financial contributor. Since 2014, Japan has also lent support to the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, operating under the office of the SRSG-SVC. Through this engagement, Japan has actively bolstered judiciaries in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, Somalia, and Iraq, with the aim of enabling effective prosecution of perpetrators. One of the concrete outcomes through these efforts is the implementation of charges against the leader of an armed group following a mobile court hearing in the DRC.
Recognizing the significance of addressing the practical needs of survivors who continue to endure immense suffering, Japan places utmost importance on providing timely and comprehensive assistance. We have supported CRSV survivors through initiatives such as UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, focusing on areas like psychosocial care and access to justice, whose invaluable works are currently displayed in the South Lobby under the title “A Conflict-related Sexual Violence Survivor’s Journey.” Additionally, Japan actively contributes to multilateral frameworks, including the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and the Trust Fund for Victims of the ICC.
I am pleased to emphasize that the endeavors mentioned above are well represented in a key component of Japan's third National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), which was unveiled in April of this year. Furthermore, this recent Action Plan specifically acknowledges the importance of providing support to survivors, encompassing individuals of all genders, including males and those who identify as gender non-conforming. We are committed to the implementation of the Action Plan in a transparent manner by ensuring periodic external evaluations and feedback from civil society.
Mr. President,
A holistic response to CRSV requires cooperation across Member States, the UN system, CSOs, and other stakeholders. Japan demonstrated this cooperation by successfully co-facilitating the General Assembly Resolution 76/304 on international cooperation for access to justice, remedies and assistance for survivors of sexual violence.
In conclusion, Japan will continue to make its utmost efforts to eliminate CRSV, including by promoting the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, wherever they take place.
As has been stated by today's civil society representatives, our approach should be consistent; no double standards.
I thank you.