Statement by Dr. MIZUTA Shinichi, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassadorial-Level Meeting on the Great Lakes Region

2021/7/26
(Check against delivery)
Thank you, Chair, for organizing this meeting, and also all the briefers for their valuable input.  
 
We continue to be concerned over security threats posed by armed groups, especially in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite great efforts made by the Government of DRC. The lasting instability has made IDPs and refugees face severe human security crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the volcanic eruption. The affected region requires effective, reliable and accountable governance most.
 
To address those challenges, the UN Strategy for Peace Consolidations, Conflict Prevention, and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region should be the key instrument and its further implementation is critical. Japan welcomes the ongoing efforts led by the UN and regional organizations including the recent workshop in Kinshasa as well as the meeting of the Contact and Coordination Group (CCG) in Bujumbura.
 
We believe that building regional, national, and local institutions and capacities should be at the core in the international support for the region, and Japan’s New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA) has placed its focus on institution and capacity building to overcome the vulnerability while addressing the root causes of conflict.
 
Allow me to underscore a few areas that Japan regards as important in our support to the Great Lakes Region.
 
First, building local security sector capacities must be one of the priority areas to bring stability to the region. Japan has been providing police training to DRC National Police by sending experts and developing its curriculum. The training is specially focused on community policing with a gender perspective, for nurturing trust from local people.
 
Second, strengthening communities’ socio-economic resilience is also critical.  Neighboring areas of the eastern part of DRC are under constant pressure due to a massive inflow of IDPs and refugees, who are left behind in overall development. In the adjacent northern part of Uganda, Japan has been engaged in capacity building of local government officials for more effective community development and local governance. Improved public service in the area is expected to contribute to lessening communal tensions and instability.
 
Third, COVID-19 response remains crucial. The porous border and insufficient public health system have made it difficult to control the pandemic in the region. Regional preparedness for health crises must be further strengthened. Japan has been helping border management authorities and assisting health systems with international organizations in Burundi.
 
Peace and stability in the region depends on the implementation of Peace, Stability and Cooperation Framework by the signatories, backed by the international community. Japan continues to play its part in such endeavor. 
 
I thank you.