Statement by Mr. MIYAMOTO Sogaku, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Discussion on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 
 
I thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for his briefing.  
 
Japan wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the UNHCR staff for their unwavering commitment and hard work in challenging circumstances. We are also grateful for the High Commissioner’s strong leadership.
 
The High Commissioner’s statement serves as a clear and sobering indication of the gravity of the global humanitarian crisis. Japan is deeply concerned about the continued rise in the number of forcibly displaced people due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, and persecution across the world including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Africa, the Mediterranean region and the Americas.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
In light of the unprecedented global displacement crisis, there is a growing requirement for innovative strategies in finding lasting solutions for those compelled to flee their homes. While it remains crucial to swiftly provide emergency humanitarian aid, it is equally imperative to offer mid- to long-term development cooperation that can address the needs of displaced persons and their host communities in a sustainable manner until durable solutions are achieved. Furthermore, these endeavors should be linked to peacebuilding initiatives aimed at addressing challenges in the countries of origin and advancing long-term solutions.
 
These complementary efforts in humanitarian, development, and peace contexts will help realize human security for refugees, host communities, and the broader population by fostering self-reliance among individuals and communities, promoting the resilience of host communities, and ensuring the endurance of these frameworks through global solidarity.
 
In this context, we appreciate the High Commissioner's emphasis on fostering collaboration among both multilateral and bilateral development actors.
 
Recognizing this need for enhanced cooperation, Japan strongly supports the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus approach. We believe that the upcoming Second Global Refugee Forum in December presents a significant opportunity to promote this approach. In this regard, Japan has launched a multi-stakeholder pledge to reinforce the HDP Nexus and is reaching out to a wide range of partners so to join force for this endeavor.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Japan shares concerns about the growing gap between needs and funding in relation to several ongoing humanitarian crises. Therefore, as Chair of the G7, Japan has promoted discussions including during the Hiroshima Summit on multiple humanitarian crises taking place worldwide.
 
We also recognize the importance of flexible funding for addressing crises that lack adequate funding. The Japanese government updated its Development Cooperation Charter this year, declaring its commitment to offering high-quality and flexible funding as needed.  
 
As a major donor to UNHCR, Japan remains dedicated to delivering the utmost support to UNHCR, ensuring its continued valuable efforts.
 
Mr. Chair,
         
The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of sharing the burden and responsibility in dealing with humanitarian crises. In acknowledgment of this necessity, Japan expresses its appreciation to all countries that host refugees for their enduring generosity. We want to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to providing support to refugee hosting countries, as well as to refugees and affected populations.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Japan will continue to work together with Member States, UNHCR and other relevant stakeholders to alleviate the plight of refugees.

I thank you.