Statement by Mr. SATO Hiroshi, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the meeting of the AHWG under UN80

Mme. and Mr. Co-Chairs,
 
To begin, Japan welcomed the completion of the template development process in this Working Group last month. Japan expects that the templates will be effectively utilized in the drafting and adopting of future resolutions and decisions.
 
Regarding today’s agenda item - the development of criteria and modalities - we will provide further input based on the Co-Chairs’ non-paper which will be circulated on June 12, but we would like to offer three comments reflecting our current views.
 
First, Japan supports the development of criteria for decision-making for mandate review. The foundation for clear and objective criteria is found in Resolution 80/251, which was adopted by an overwhelming majority. Specifically, paragraph 24 outlines the terms “inactive, duplicative or fully implemented” to be used by the Secretary-General when conducting such a review. Based on this Resolution, the criteria should be clear and objective, applicable not only to existing mandates but also when reviewing future mandates.
 
Second, Japan recognizes that the development of modalities is a necessary task essential for guiding the review of existing mandates. Regarding the status of existing mandates, support from the Secretariat, which possesses comprehensive information, is indispensable. Consequently, it is essential that the Secretariat first identify mandates that are “inactive, duplicative or fully implemented” by the end of December, as stipulated in paragraph 24 of the resolution.
 
Japan continues to support the Co-Chairs and looks forward to achieving concrete results in this Ad-hoc Working Group.
 
I thank you.