Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open VTC on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

Mr. President,

I would like to begin by thanking Germany and the Dominican Republic for convening this important high-level open debate on conflict-related sexual violence. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on this issue.

We will not tolerate any sexual violence in conflict. In this firm belief, Japan has been working closely with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) and in partnership with other relevant organizations.

First, since 2014, Japan provides financial assistance to the work of the Team of Experts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Somalia and Iraq, mandated to support investigation and prosecution, legislative reform and capacity building of judicial and security authorities, in close cooperation with respective Governments as well as UN Missions and Country Teams. Their work in the Central African Republic, for example, resulted in 22 cases of conflict-related sexual violence brought to the criminal court in Bangui last December. Japan will continue to support the Team of Experts to ensure accountability of perpetrators and to bring justice to survivors, which are key to prevent and deter future crimes.

Second, Japan is committed to addressing the needs of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and empowering them, which are indispensable to the people-centred response to this issue. In this regard, Japan has provided assistance to the UN Action projects such as one in Iraq to help children born from rape and their mothers and another in Somalia for providing mental health and psychosocial services to women victims.

Third, Japan contributed 2 million euros this year to the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. Japan will continue to be actively engaged in the effective management of the Fund as a board member.

Lastly, Japan contributed 4.5 million US dollars to UN Women to support its COVID-19 response through four regional projects, which include activities to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence.

Mr. President,

In the midst of this unprecedented human security crisis caused by COVID-19, we must work together to minimize its impact and build back better a resilient and inclusive society where all individuals, in particular the most vulnerable people including those affected by conflict, are able to live in dignity and are duly protected and empowered. In this landmark year for women’s agendas, Japan reaffirms its unwavering commitments to redouble its effort to end sexual violence in conflict. We look forward to working closely with the United Nations in this joint endeavor.

Thank you.