Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yasuhisa Kawamura Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations At the Security Council Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security: Preventing Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons

Thank you, Mr. President,
            First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the assumption of Egyptian presidency during this month. And at the same time, I would like to extend sincere thanks to China for its nice stewardship during the month of July as presidency. Also welcome Ambassador Nebenzya to the Security Council. Japan looks forward to working closely with you in the Council.

Mr. President, 
            We are witnessing a continuous large number of terrorist attacks around the world today. Access to weapons is magnifying civilian casualties. Today’s resolution calls upon Member States to enhance measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons.
            As today’s resolution prescribes, it is important not only to strengthen our own capabilities but also to support efforts in other countries. Allow me to provide a few examples that may be useful. Japan has been supporting capacity-building in Asia as well as the Middle East and Africa. We are working with the WCO, INTERPOL, UNODC and other organizations to help South and Southeast Asia enhance their ability to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as small arms and light weapons. This March, Japan provided 3.5 million US dollars to the WCO to help customs authorities in South and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These funds will help them strengthen their investigative capabilities against the illicit trafficking of precursors to IEDs at land and sea borders. We have also provided 1.5 million US dollars to prevent the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons through air cargo and postal services.
            In relation to today’s resolution, we emphasize that the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on countering the illicit trade of conventional arms provides an effective means to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons. Japan was one of the co-authors of the United Nations General Assembly resolution leading to the ATT. We believe strongly in its implementation and universalization. While the ATT was not incorporated in today’s resolution, we call upon countries who have not yet done so, particularly major arms trade states, to ratify the ATT at the earliest possible timing.

I thank you, Mr. President.