Statement by Mr. KAWASAKI Masaki, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, on Agenda Item 49: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Fourth Committee, 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Thank you, Mr. Chair,
 
I also thank UNRWA Commissioner-General Lazzarini for the comprehensive briefing. At the outset, Japan expresses its deep respect for the dedication and courage of UNRWA’s staff, who are literally sacrificing themselves to save others under the most dangerous conditions.
 
We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those personnel who have lost their lives in the present conflict.
 
Assuring the safety of aid workers is a precondition of humanitarian operation. Japan calls all parties concerned to ensure their protection as enshrined in the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel that our country has joined.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
In Gaza, hope is slowly returning after two years of nightmare.
 
All surviving hostages have been released, and the ceasefire has been largely holding despite sporadic incidents. The return of the remains of the deceased hostages has been delayed but is underway.
 
We once again commend U.S. President Trump and the mediating countries—Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye—for their tireless diplomatic efforts that have made this progress possible.
 
As discussions proceed on post-war governance in Gaza, we must not lose sight of the human suffering still unfolding every day.
 
Humanitarian assistance cannot wait. Medicines must reach the wounded and the sick; food and water must be delivered to those who are hungry and thirsty; shelters must be provided to families who have lost their homes. UNRWA’s work is crucial to that end.
 
Beyond Gaza, the plight of Palestine refugees remains a matter of grave concern and is of vital importance to peace and stability in the entire Middle East.
 
UNRWA remains an indispensable pillar for millions, providing essential relief and services such as education and healthcare.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Ensuring neutrality will help UNRWA carry out its operations more effectively. In this regard, Japan values that the Agency has already implemented 20 of the 50 recommendations of the Colonna Report and we encourage them to make steady progress and update Member States on the remaining recommendations.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Over the past seven decades, Japan has stood by UNRWA as one of its longest-standing donors.
 
For example, since the brutal acts of terror by Hamas on October 7, we have contributed 240 million US dollars in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, including over 60 million to UNRWA.
 
As we reiterated in the recent ministerial meeting, we will continue to support the Agency in close collaboration with other partners.
 
That said, UNRWA is, by nature, a temporary institution, designed to transfer its functions to the Palestinian Authority once it is capable of providing public services. Strengthening the Authority is indispensable both to saving Palestine refugees and to realizing a two-State solution. The PA should continue to advance its reforms, and the international community should support these efforts. Japan stands ready to play its part.
 
Thank you.