Statement by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Assembly meeting, Agenda item 63: Use of the Veto, in connection of "Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan", on the draft resolution on the Protection of Civilians in Sudan Format

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

Japan deeply regrets the veto by Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, on the draft resolution on protection of civilians in Sudan on the 18^th of this month.

More than 19 months of devastation from the armed conflict has put the Sudanese people into an unprecedented humanitarian and human rights crisis with thousands of civilian deaths and millions of displaced persons.

We have seen credible reports and heard testimonies of deliberate mass attacks against civilians and sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in Darfur, Al Jazira, and elsewhere in Sudan by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) also cannot deny their responsibility for many civilian deaths and injuries due to their indiscriminate bombardments.

There are plausible reports of acute food insecurity in parts of Darfur and other regions, with a risk of spreading throughout the country. Important civilian infrastructure, including health services, has been attacked and looted. Telecommunications vital to access services have been disabled. UN and non-UN humanitarian workers, including locals, continue operating despite extreme security risks.

This conflict has been fuelled by external support in apparent breach of the UN arms embargo in Darfur.

Mr. President,

It is as clear as daylight that the Security Council must take action to alleviate civilian suffering in Sudan.

It is clear that the Council must demand all parties to the conflict to stop the use of force immediately.

It is clear that the Council must declare that violators of international humanitarian and human rights law will be held accountable.

It is clear that the Council must show our determination that we will never forget the Sudanese people.

But Russia vetoed in spite of all of these. Russia did not allow the Council to perform its bestowed duty to try to restore peace by casting a veto on the draft resolution which gained 14 votes in favour, including Japan, after constructive and active negotiations led by the co-penholders.

Mr. President,

Although our term in the Council nears its end, Japan will exert its utmost effort so that the Security Council will take concrete steps forward to fulfil its responsibility.

Japan remains strongly committed to the Sudanese people as a longstanding protector of human security, human rights, and human dignity.

I thank you, Mr. President.