Statement by Dr. MIZUTA Shinichi, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level meeting on “Building Peace in Communities through Local Governance and Community Reconciliation in South Sudan”
2023/1/31
Thank you, Chair, Ambassador Muhith, for convening this meeting. I also acknowledge the presence and intervention by the Minister of Peacebuilding of South Sudan. I also thank all the other briefers for their valuable remarks.
Japan expresses its great appreciation for the initiative of the PBC Chair, Vice-Chairs, and the PBSO for having organized the field visit to South Sudan. This now is giving us an opportunity to hear from our peer representatives in New York who have directly seen the situation and heard from people on the ground with their own eyes and ears. This high-level visit has also provided an opportunity for the international community to express its solidarity with the people and Government of South Sudan.
Based on the observations we heard today, I would like to make the following two points.
First, this latest PBC visit to South Sudan again highlighted that the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement remains the urgent and core priority for South Sudan. We note the reports of both progress and challenges in the preparations for the elections to be held by the end of 2024. It is encouraging that the delegation felt clearly from among many stakeholders a sense of urgency to move quickly and steadily in the process. For its part, Japan will continue to provide necessary assistance to help implement the revitalized agreement, including through key partners such as UNDP, IGAD, CTSAMVM and the RJMEC.
Second, Japan appreciates the delegation’s observations about the importance of building capacity and strengthening institutions, including in the areas of delivering basic services such as health, education, water and sanitation. Those basic services are fundamental for establishing a resilient society and thereby ensuring human security. It is particularly critical to protect and empower populations in vulnerable situations, such as women, youth, and displaced people. For instance, Japan has decided to provide assistance of around 1.3 million US dollars through UNDP to strengthen local capacities in the communities with returnees in Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile States.
In concluding, let me reiterate Japan’s continued commitment to supporting South Sudan’s efforts to build and sustain peace.
I thank you.
Japan expresses its great appreciation for the initiative of the PBC Chair, Vice-Chairs, and the PBSO for having organized the field visit to South Sudan. This now is giving us an opportunity to hear from our peer representatives in New York who have directly seen the situation and heard from people on the ground with their own eyes and ears. This high-level visit has also provided an opportunity for the international community to express its solidarity with the people and Government of South Sudan.
Based on the observations we heard today, I would like to make the following two points.
First, this latest PBC visit to South Sudan again highlighted that the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement remains the urgent and core priority for South Sudan. We note the reports of both progress and challenges in the preparations for the elections to be held by the end of 2024. It is encouraging that the delegation felt clearly from among many stakeholders a sense of urgency to move quickly and steadily in the process. For its part, Japan will continue to provide necessary assistance to help implement the revitalized agreement, including through key partners such as UNDP, IGAD, CTSAMVM and the RJMEC.
Second, Japan appreciates the delegation’s observations about the importance of building capacity and strengthening institutions, including in the areas of delivering basic services such as health, education, water and sanitation. Those basic services are fundamental for establishing a resilient society and thereby ensuring human security. It is particularly critical to protect and empower populations in vulnerable situations, such as women, youth, and displaced people. For instance, Japan has decided to provide assistance of around 1.3 million US dollars through UNDP to strengthen local capacities in the communities with returnees in Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile States.
In concluding, let me reiterate Japan’s continued commitment to supporting South Sudan’s efforts to build and sustain peace.
I thank you.