Statement by Dr. MIZUTA Shinichi, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Ambassadorial-Level Meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Liberia Configuration
2023/4/25
Thank you Madam Chair for convening this timely and important meeting. I also thank all the briefers for their valuable inputs. I am also pleased to acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Liberia to this meeting.
This meeting has provided the Members States with the precious opportunity to hear diverse views from a balanced group of government officials, UN officials, and civil society representatives. I truly appreciate the initiative of the Chair and the PBSO.
I myself worked in Liberia, in UNMIL, as a UN official from 2013 to 2014. In this context, it is my great pleasure to see the great progress the Country has made over the years. Against this background, the holding of peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections this October with full Liberian ownership, for the first time after the withdrawal of UNMIL will be a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward consolidating peace and democracy. This could also be a model for the region.
Japan applauds the Government of Liberia’s continued efforts and strong commitment, and welcomes the signing of the Farmington River Declaration by the leaders of 26 political parties on 4 April to foster an appeased and non-violent electoral process.
All efforts towards consolidating peace and democracy, including the holding of elections, must be inclusive. Full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the political process and decision-making is key. It is certainly regrettable that the amendment of the new Elections Law, which includes a section on a 30% gender quota, is unlikely to be enacted before the election. However, it is encouraging that some political parties voluntarily pledged to abide by at least a 30% quota in their candidate listing.
Considering that 65% of the population is between the ages of 18-32, the importance of promoting the constructive political engagement of youth cannot be overstated. Japan welcomes the PBF’s role in supporting initiatives to foster greater participation by women and youth in the electoral process.
We also acknowledge the important role of the International Financial Institutions. Japan welcomes the efforts by the IMF and World Bank to align their programmes with peacebuilding objectives, including support for gender equality and women’s empowerment. In this regard, Japan welcomes the Chair for taking the initiative to visit Washington, DC to consult with the IFIs.
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.
Before concluding, I have one question for the briefers. Regarding the sexual violence, I believe that addressing this issue is also key to creating a level playing field for women’s participation in politics or elections. I would like to hear a bit more in detail about what efforts have been made and what specific measures have been taken to address this issue.
This meeting has provided the Members States with the precious opportunity to hear diverse views from a balanced group of government officials, UN officials, and civil society representatives. I truly appreciate the initiative of the Chair and the PBSO.
I myself worked in Liberia, in UNMIL, as a UN official from 2013 to 2014. In this context, it is my great pleasure to see the great progress the Country has made over the years. Against this background, the holding of peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections this October with full Liberian ownership, for the first time after the withdrawal of UNMIL will be a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward consolidating peace and democracy. This could also be a model for the region.
Japan applauds the Government of Liberia’s continued efforts and strong commitment, and welcomes the signing of the Farmington River Declaration by the leaders of 26 political parties on 4 April to foster an appeased and non-violent electoral process.
All efforts towards consolidating peace and democracy, including the holding of elections, must be inclusive. Full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the political process and decision-making is key. It is certainly regrettable that the amendment of the new Elections Law, which includes a section on a 30% gender quota, is unlikely to be enacted before the election. However, it is encouraging that some political parties voluntarily pledged to abide by at least a 30% quota in their candidate listing.
Considering that 65% of the population is between the ages of 18-32, the importance of promoting the constructive political engagement of youth cannot be overstated. Japan welcomes the PBF’s role in supporting initiatives to foster greater participation by women and youth in the electoral process.
We also acknowledge the important role of the International Financial Institutions. Japan welcomes the efforts by the IMF and World Bank to align their programmes with peacebuilding objectives, including support for gender equality and women’s empowerment. In this regard, Japan welcomes the Chair for taking the initiative to visit Washington, DC to consult with the IFIs.
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.
Before concluding, I have one question for the briefers. Regarding the sexual violence, I believe that addressing this issue is also key to creating a level playing field for women’s participation in politics or elections. I would like to hear a bit more in detail about what efforts have been made and what specific measures have been taken to address this issue.