Statement by Mr. NAMAZU Hiroyuki, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassadorial Level Meeting on Somalia
2020/12/2
I thank Ambassador Bob Rae of Canada for convening this meeting. I thank H.E. Mr. Mohamed Hussein Roble, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and other distinguished briefers for clearly setting out the challenges and opportunities facing the country.
I would like to go straight to discussing what Japan believes are three important issues: reconciliation, inclusion, and institution-building.
First, we believe that efforts to further promote reconciliation and cooperation among all Somalis at all levels are key to addressing the country’s challenges. In this regard, we are encouraged to see that the resumption of constructive dialogue by the Federal Government and Federal Member States has resulted in an agreement on an electoral model for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. At the same time, however, as highlighted in the National Reconciliation Framework, we believe that further and continued investment is needed to promote “genuine reconciliation” among individuals and communities, including through nationwide dialogue.
Second, full inclusion of all segments of society, including women, youth, and minorities is the foundation for achieving sustainable peace and development. In this regard, Japan welcomes the adoption of the Somali Women’s Charter last year by the Federal Government of Somalia and expresses strong hope that no effort will be spared in the promotion of full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all spheres of political, economic, and social life.
Third, it is essential to make conscious and continuous efforts to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, including Federal Member States, districts, and communities. As highlighted in the Somali Federal Government’s Stabilization Strategy, it is of paramount importance to restore and promote confidence in state institutions among the population by providing security and justice as well as delivering basic services in order to bring and sustain communal stability.
In order to help Somalia make progress on these three key issues, international assistance needs to be better coordinated, including through joint programming and implementation. For instance, a UN multi-agency project by the IOM, UN-HABITAT, UNOPS, and UNDP, which Japan has supported through the Peacebuilding Fund and the UN Trust Fund for Human Security, has effectively contributed to facilitating the sustainable return and integration of IDPs and refugees and to building trust between the population and local authorities in southern Somalia. In this context, Japan encourages the PBC to continue to leverage its convening and bridging power in support of the people and government of Somalia.
Under the banner of our New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA), Japan seeks to provide further assistance to Somalia in its pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development.
I thank you.
I would like to go straight to discussing what Japan believes are three important issues: reconciliation, inclusion, and institution-building.
First, we believe that efforts to further promote reconciliation and cooperation among all Somalis at all levels are key to addressing the country’s challenges. In this regard, we are encouraged to see that the resumption of constructive dialogue by the Federal Government and Federal Member States has resulted in an agreement on an electoral model for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. At the same time, however, as highlighted in the National Reconciliation Framework, we believe that further and continued investment is needed to promote “genuine reconciliation” among individuals and communities, including through nationwide dialogue.
Second, full inclusion of all segments of society, including women, youth, and minorities is the foundation for achieving sustainable peace and development. In this regard, Japan welcomes the adoption of the Somali Women’s Charter last year by the Federal Government of Somalia and expresses strong hope that no effort will be spared in the promotion of full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all spheres of political, economic, and social life.
Third, it is essential to make conscious and continuous efforts to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, including Federal Member States, districts, and communities. As highlighted in the Somali Federal Government’s Stabilization Strategy, it is of paramount importance to restore and promote confidence in state institutions among the population by providing security and justice as well as delivering basic services in order to bring and sustain communal stability.
In order to help Somalia make progress on these three key issues, international assistance needs to be better coordinated, including through joint programming and implementation. For instance, a UN multi-agency project by the IOM, UN-HABITAT, UNOPS, and UNDP, which Japan has supported through the Peacebuilding Fund and the UN Trust Fund for Human Security, has effectively contributed to facilitating the sustainable return and integration of IDPs and refugees and to building trust between the population and local authorities in southern Somalia. In this context, Japan encourages the PBC to continue to leverage its convening and bridging power in support of the people and government of Somalia.
Under the banner of our New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA), Japan seeks to provide further assistance to Somalia in its pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development.
I thank you.