Statement by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the UNRWA Pledging Conference

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
At the outset, I would like to express appreciation for the dedicated and tireless efforts of UNRWA staff in carrying out their mission under challenging circumstances.
 
Japan has been providing assistance to UNRWA to support the Palestinian refugees across the Middle East since 1953, even before we joined the United Nations. Most recently, we contributed approximately $35 million to UNRWA in January this year.
 
As we all recognize, UNRWA is playing a critical role in providing essential services such as healthcare and education, as well as delivering humanitarian assistance. UNRWA’s expertise and capacity should be appropriately utilized under ongoing developments in Gaza in line with Security Council Resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Plan.
 
To address current dynamics, UNRWA also needs to revisit its core function. In this regard, we welcome the initiatives led by UNRWA Commissioner-General Ad Interim Mr. Saunders to strategize the Agency’s resources to better provide services. This will help to further gain the trust of the international community and thereby reinforce the Agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate.
 
In particular, Japan emphasizes the imperative of ensuring the neutrality of UNRWA’s staff and educational programmes. While acknowledging the steady implementation of the recommendations put forward by the independent review, we strongly expect UNRWA to continue reinforcing its measures to safeguard neutrality and strengthen accountability.
 
In seeking to cooperate constructively with UNRWA, we encourage the Agency to advance its reform efforts and keep the international community informed of its progress in a timely and transparent manner.
 
In conclusion, Japan remains committed to actively contributing to the realization of peace and stability in the Middle East region. To this end, we will continue to play our role in close cooperation with relevant countries and stakeholders.
 
I thank you.