Statement by Mr. KOYAMA Takahiro, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level meeting on Liberia
2024/8/19
I thank the Chair for taking the initiative to convene today’s meeting at an important juncture as the new administration embarks on furthering Liberia’s continuous effort to advance its peacebuilding and sustaining peace priorities.
Let me first congratulate and welcome the Liberian people’s active participation in and peaceful holding of the country’s first presidential and general elections since taking full ownership after the withdrawal of UNMIL. Japan, along with other partners, sent a monitoring mission. The elections demonstrated Liberia’s deep respect for democracy, which is a shining model for the region.
Transitional justice is an important element of peacebuilding which can help to address societal divisions and prevent occurrence and reoccurrence of serious violations and conflicts. It is encouraging that Liberia is taking full ownership and placing priority on advancing transitional justice. It is vital for the transitional justice processes and related institutions to function in a synergistic manner. Furthermore, these institutions need to be accountable, democratic, and inclusive. Addressing the deep grievances of people and listening to their voices are prerequisites for successfully fighting against impunity, and people must be at the centre of the transitional justice process.
Considering that over 60% of the population in Liberia is under the age of 25, addressing the YPS agenda is crucial. Sustained peace can only take root when youth live free from fear, have confidence in their own future, and are able to unleash their potential in society. Access to quality education and job opportunities is essential. The importance of promoting the constructive political engagement of youth cannot be overstated. Japan welcomes the PBF’s role in supporting socio-economic empowerment of youth, including through vocational training and education.
For both transitional justice and YPS, the PBC should be actively utilized to serve as a forum to share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, as it has successfully done before.
Japan has long provided support to Liberia’s efforts to consolidate peace and democracy and pursue socio-economic stability and institution-building. Japan remains committed to continuing our cooperation with Liberia and to supporting its endeavour towards establishing lasting peace.
Let me first congratulate and welcome the Liberian people’s active participation in and peaceful holding of the country’s first presidential and general elections since taking full ownership after the withdrawal of UNMIL. Japan, along with other partners, sent a monitoring mission. The elections demonstrated Liberia’s deep respect for democracy, which is a shining model for the region.
Transitional justice is an important element of peacebuilding which can help to address societal divisions and prevent occurrence and reoccurrence of serious violations and conflicts. It is encouraging that Liberia is taking full ownership and placing priority on advancing transitional justice. It is vital for the transitional justice processes and related institutions to function in a synergistic manner. Furthermore, these institutions need to be accountable, democratic, and inclusive. Addressing the deep grievances of people and listening to their voices are prerequisites for successfully fighting against impunity, and people must be at the centre of the transitional justice process.
Considering that over 60% of the population in Liberia is under the age of 25, addressing the YPS agenda is crucial. Sustained peace can only take root when youth live free from fear, have confidence in their own future, and are able to unleash their potential in society. Access to quality education and job opportunities is essential. The importance of promoting the constructive political engagement of youth cannot be overstated. Japan welcomes the PBF’s role in supporting socio-economic empowerment of youth, including through vocational training and education.
For both transitional justice and YPS, the PBC should be actively utilized to serve as a forum to share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, as it has successfully done before.
Japan has long provided support to Liberia’s efforts to consolidate peace and democracy and pursue socio-economic stability and institution-building. Japan remains committed to continuing our cooperation with Liberia and to supporting its endeavour towards establishing lasting peace.