Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Yemen
2023/8/16
(As delivered)
Madam President,
I thank Special Envoy Grundberg, OCHA Director Wosornu, and Ms. Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj for their briefings.
Japan welcomes the successful implementation of the FSO Safer rescue project. We are encouraged to learn that the risk of a massive oil spill in the Red Sea has now been averted, thanks to the concerted efforts to address this potentially unprecedented crisis. Japan highly values the endeavor and perseverance of UN bodies and persons involved in navigating the difficulties and achieving this milestone, especially UNDP.
However, a substantial financial shortfall still exists. We need to fill the gap to pay back and ensure the stability of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). In this regard, we appreciate the recent additional funding commitments made by many donors, including a timely announcement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Japan also remains committed to further helping to fill the financial gap, in addition to its previous contribution, given the significance of preserving the UN’s international crisis response capability.
While we witness the progress on the Safer issue, the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen persists. The briefing given by Ms. Al-Hajj on the situation of abduction is simply terrifying, and this should end right away and they should be back to their families and friends. It is distressing to learn that some of the humanitarian programs are suspended due to critical funding shortfalls. The safety of humanitarian officers remains of concern. Japan is deeply saddened by the recent tragic killing of a WFP staff member for which we express our deepest condolences and sympathies. Any attacks against humanitarian service providers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law and should be condemned. In this regard, we welcome the release of 5 UN staff members from their detention.
Madam President,
Japan would like to stress that inter-Yemeni dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations remains key to bringing peace to the country. The Special Assistant on the Yemeni Issue of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Ambassador HAYASHI, visited the region last month and stressed this point, urging all parties to the conflict to join the effort of the UN Special Envoy to pave the way for inclusive Yemeni-led talks.
In order to build on the ongoing communication between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, it is also vital to seize the opportunity created by the current calm to foster dialogue among various groups of Yemenis, including civil society. The role of the United Nations Special Envoy in coordinating this dialogue is indispensable.
In this regard, we call on the Houthis to refrain from making attempts to degrade the situation on the ground, including disrupting the economic capacity of the Government of Yemen. All parties to the conflict in Yemen must engage more constructively to achieve national stability and ensure the interests of all Yemeni people. Japan would appreciate coordination and support among regional countries in this regard.
Before concluding, I wish to say that we fully align with the point made by Ms. Wosornu that political solutions should go hand in hand with the provision of essential services.
I thank you, Madam President.
I thank Special Envoy Grundberg, OCHA Director Wosornu, and Ms. Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj for their briefings.
Japan welcomes the successful implementation of the FSO Safer rescue project. We are encouraged to learn that the risk of a massive oil spill in the Red Sea has now been averted, thanks to the concerted efforts to address this potentially unprecedented crisis. Japan highly values the endeavor and perseverance of UN bodies and persons involved in navigating the difficulties and achieving this milestone, especially UNDP.
However, a substantial financial shortfall still exists. We need to fill the gap to pay back and ensure the stability of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). In this regard, we appreciate the recent additional funding commitments made by many donors, including a timely announcement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Japan also remains committed to further helping to fill the financial gap, in addition to its previous contribution, given the significance of preserving the UN’s international crisis response capability.
While we witness the progress on the Safer issue, the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen persists. The briefing given by Ms. Al-Hajj on the situation of abduction is simply terrifying, and this should end right away and they should be back to their families and friends. It is distressing to learn that some of the humanitarian programs are suspended due to critical funding shortfalls. The safety of humanitarian officers remains of concern. Japan is deeply saddened by the recent tragic killing of a WFP staff member for which we express our deepest condolences and sympathies. Any attacks against humanitarian service providers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law and should be condemned. In this regard, we welcome the release of 5 UN staff members from their detention.
Madam President,
Japan would like to stress that inter-Yemeni dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations remains key to bringing peace to the country. The Special Assistant on the Yemeni Issue of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Ambassador HAYASHI, visited the region last month and stressed this point, urging all parties to the conflict to join the effort of the UN Special Envoy to pave the way for inclusive Yemeni-led talks.
In order to build on the ongoing communication between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, it is also vital to seize the opportunity created by the current calm to foster dialogue among various groups of Yemenis, including civil society. The role of the United Nations Special Envoy in coordinating this dialogue is indispensable.
In this regard, we call on the Houthis to refrain from making attempts to degrade the situation on the ground, including disrupting the economic capacity of the Government of Yemen. All parties to the conflict in Yemen must engage more constructively to achieve national stability and ensure the interests of all Yemeni people. Japan would appreciate coordination and support among regional countries in this regard.
Before concluding, I wish to say that we fully align with the point made by Ms. Wosornu that political solutions should go hand in hand with the provision of essential services.
I thank you, Madam President.