Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council debate on the situation in Afghanistan
2021/9/9
Mr. President,
I thank you for convening this debate on Afghanistan. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Deborah Lyons for her briefing and her leadership at a time when the support of the United Nations for the people of Afghanistan is most needed.
Afghanistan is a country that holds the key to peace and stability in the region and the world. Japan hopes that true peace and prosperity will come to Afghanistan, which is blessed with natural resources and young and talented people.
Japan reiterates its strong belief that a sustainable peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved by a political settlement that reflects the voices of all segments of society. Japan has supported all efforts to this end, while urging all parties concerned to cease acts of violence. In this light, it is with strong pain and regret that we continue to witness further suffering and loss of life among the people of Afghanistan.
Japan stresses the need for the international community to speak with one voice in sending a clear and united message to Afghanistan. Japan underlines the need to maximize our leverage to ensure full implementation of Security Council resolution 2593 (2021).
Japan will continue to urge the Taliban to ensure the safe passage and departure of those who still wish to leave Afghanistan. At the same time, Japan will be persistent in calling on the Taliban to ensure the following three points.
First, to protect the lives and property of all Afghans, regardless of ethnicity or religious sect, and restore social order.
Second, to safeguard and advance basic human rights, in particular the rights of women.
Third, to pursue nation-building that upholds an inclusive political process where diverse ethnic and religious groups are included.
If these are put into practice under the new administration, Afghanistan will be able to regain the trust of the international community, resulting in the return of people, funds, and support needed to rebuild the country.
In the midst of continued tensions in Afghanistan, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi visited several Middle Eastern countries and concurred with each country on the need to work together to prevent the current situation in Afghanistan from becoming a further destabilizing factor. In light of the growing need for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, Japan is ready to offer total assistance of around 200 million USD this year, including 65 million USD in new assistance in such areas as shelter, health, water and sanitation, food, agriculture, and education through international organizations. Japan will continue its efforts to help achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan in coordination with the concerned countries.
The people of Afghanistan must be at the centre as the international community helps the country address both its immediate humanitarian needs and mid- to long-term challenges of stability and socio-economic development. An approach based on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus is essential. While we await the restoration and strengthening of governance, we will have to focus on delivering aid to people and communities on the ground by all means.
Under the current circumstances, the United Nations is one of the few entities that can deliver assistance on the ground. Now the UN system is being tested as to whether it can deliver as one under the concept of human security, and Member States need to be united in supporting the Organization’s efforts. In this regard, Japan believes that the role of UNAMA will remain critical while recognizing the need for the Security Council to review its mandate in due course.
Afghanistan, with the help of the international community, has made significant progress over the past two decades, in particular with the development of infrastructure, promotion of education, and increased participation of women and youth in the public domain. It is to the benefit of the people of Afghanistan to preserve and promote those gains.
As a long-standing partner of Afghanistan, Japan reaffirms its commitment to addressing the country's immediate humanitarian needs as well as supporting its long-term path to peace and prosperity. As we watch the evolving situation and the actions of the Taliban, Japan will continue to actively engage all stakeholders to explore the best possible way to assist the country and its people.
I thank you.
I thank you for convening this debate on Afghanistan. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Deborah Lyons for her briefing and her leadership at a time when the support of the United Nations for the people of Afghanistan is most needed.
Afghanistan is a country that holds the key to peace and stability in the region and the world. Japan hopes that true peace and prosperity will come to Afghanistan, which is blessed with natural resources and young and talented people.
Japan reiterates its strong belief that a sustainable peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved by a political settlement that reflects the voices of all segments of society. Japan has supported all efforts to this end, while urging all parties concerned to cease acts of violence. In this light, it is with strong pain and regret that we continue to witness further suffering and loss of life among the people of Afghanistan.
Japan stresses the need for the international community to speak with one voice in sending a clear and united message to Afghanistan. Japan underlines the need to maximize our leverage to ensure full implementation of Security Council resolution 2593 (2021).
Japan will continue to urge the Taliban to ensure the safe passage and departure of those who still wish to leave Afghanistan. At the same time, Japan will be persistent in calling on the Taliban to ensure the following three points.
First, to protect the lives and property of all Afghans, regardless of ethnicity or religious sect, and restore social order.
Second, to safeguard and advance basic human rights, in particular the rights of women.
Third, to pursue nation-building that upholds an inclusive political process where diverse ethnic and religious groups are included.
If these are put into practice under the new administration, Afghanistan will be able to regain the trust of the international community, resulting in the return of people, funds, and support needed to rebuild the country.
In the midst of continued tensions in Afghanistan, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi visited several Middle Eastern countries and concurred with each country on the need to work together to prevent the current situation in Afghanistan from becoming a further destabilizing factor. In light of the growing need for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, Japan is ready to offer total assistance of around 200 million USD this year, including 65 million USD in new assistance in such areas as shelter, health, water and sanitation, food, agriculture, and education through international organizations. Japan will continue its efforts to help achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan in coordination with the concerned countries.
The people of Afghanistan must be at the centre as the international community helps the country address both its immediate humanitarian needs and mid- to long-term challenges of stability and socio-economic development. An approach based on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus is essential. While we await the restoration and strengthening of governance, we will have to focus on delivering aid to people and communities on the ground by all means.
Under the current circumstances, the United Nations is one of the few entities that can deliver assistance on the ground. Now the UN system is being tested as to whether it can deliver as one under the concept of human security, and Member States need to be united in supporting the Organization’s efforts. In this regard, Japan believes that the role of UNAMA will remain critical while recognizing the need for the Security Council to review its mandate in due course.
Afghanistan, with the help of the international community, has made significant progress over the past two decades, in particular with the development of infrastructure, promotion of education, and increased participation of women and youth in the public domain. It is to the benefit of the people of Afghanistan to preserve and promote those gains.
As a long-standing partner of Afghanistan, Japan reaffirms its commitment to addressing the country's immediate humanitarian needs as well as supporting its long-term path to peace and prosperity. As we watch the evolving situation and the actions of the Taliban, Japan will continue to actively engage all stakeholders to explore the best possible way to assist the country and its people.
I thank you.