Statement by Mr. NAMAZU Hiroyuki, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassadorial Level Meeting on Liberia
2020/11/12
I thank Ambassador Eneström of Sweden for convening today’s meeting. I also thank H.E. Mr. Kemayah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia and all the briefers for clearly setting out challenges and opportunities facing Liberia.
Today I would like to discuss three points that Japan believes are essential for our efforts in the lead-up to the elections and beyond.
First, it is critical to alleviate the impact of the human security challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. This is necessary not only to ease human suffering but also to address people’s socioeconomic frustrations and grievances, which could translate into their political behaviour and instability to the detriment of the electoral process. In this context, this year Japan has provided grant aid of around 3.18 million US dollars in total to address food insecurity and to support the health system in response to COVID-19 in Liberia.
Secondly, no effort should be spared to maximize positive engagements by all Liberians in the electoral process. Most importantly, the international community should send a clear message to the people of Liberia that it is a collective responsibility of all Liberians – not only the electoral bodies but also the population – to make the elections as credible as possible. The international community should utilize all tools and avenues available to encourage and support a wide range of stakeholders including the government, opposition leaders, media, and civil society such as women and youth organizations, to play their part in creating an enabling environment for credible elections.
Thirdly, looking beyond the elections, it will be essential to facilitate social cohesion after a tense electoral process and to advance efforts for economic recovery and long-term sustainable and inclusive growth, all of which require efforts to build strong institutions and promote good governance.
With those tasks ahead, the international community should keep showing solidarity with Liberia on its path to sustaining peace. In this regard, we strongly believe the PBC should continue to leverage its convening and bridging power to promote partnerships between all stakeholders in support of Liberia.
At the TICAD7 held in Yokohama last year, Japan announced the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA) and expressed its commitment to ensure human security and support institution-building in coordination with state and local authorities. Based on this initiative, Japan will continue to support Liberia in various areas in collaboration with the international community.
I thank you.
Today I would like to discuss three points that Japan believes are essential for our efforts in the lead-up to the elections and beyond.
First, it is critical to alleviate the impact of the human security challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. This is necessary not only to ease human suffering but also to address people’s socioeconomic frustrations and grievances, which could translate into their political behaviour and instability to the detriment of the electoral process. In this context, this year Japan has provided grant aid of around 3.18 million US dollars in total to address food insecurity and to support the health system in response to COVID-19 in Liberia.
Secondly, no effort should be spared to maximize positive engagements by all Liberians in the electoral process. Most importantly, the international community should send a clear message to the people of Liberia that it is a collective responsibility of all Liberians – not only the electoral bodies but also the population – to make the elections as credible as possible. The international community should utilize all tools and avenues available to encourage and support a wide range of stakeholders including the government, opposition leaders, media, and civil society such as women and youth organizations, to play their part in creating an enabling environment for credible elections.
Thirdly, looking beyond the elections, it will be essential to facilitate social cohesion after a tense electoral process and to advance efforts for economic recovery and long-term sustainable and inclusive growth, all of which require efforts to build strong institutions and promote good governance.
With those tasks ahead, the international community should keep showing solidarity with Liberia on its path to sustaining peace. In this regard, we strongly believe the PBC should continue to leverage its convening and bridging power to promote partnerships between all stakeholders in support of Liberia.
At the TICAD7 held in Yokohama last year, Japan announced the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA) and expressed its commitment to ensure human security and support institution-building in coordination with state and local authorities. Based on this initiative, Japan will continue to support Liberia in various areas in collaboration with the international community.
I thank you.