Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations At the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda Item on “Situation in the Sudan”
2023/3/20
Thank you Mr. President.
I also thank SRSG Mr. Volker Perthes for his insightful briefing.
The Security Council has authorized four pillars in the mandate of UNITAMS and several significant developments can be found in each domain. Today I would like to take each in turn.
First, regarding the political transition, Japan welcomes the recent positive political developments, above all the signing of the Political Framework Agreement last December. Japan also commends the work of the trilateral mechanism, namely UNITAMS, the AU and IGAD, in implementing this agreement.
In particular, the trilateral mechanism has been facilitating workshops on the five outstanding issues. Japan welcomes the wide participation of different stakeholders, including women, youth and representatives from all over the country, in these workshops. Although the percentage is still short of the aim set by UNITAMS, Japan welcomes that significant numbers of women have actively joined the workshops.
Launching the final phase of the political process on January 8 and yesterday’s announcement on the agreed schedule of the political process were also important steps forward toward bringing back a civilian-led transitional government.
The Council should encourage non-signatories of the agreement to join the process. We should also urge regional and international partners to support this Sudan-led, Sudan-owned political process, in line with and in close consultation with the trilateral mechanism.
Second, we need to further support the peace process and implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) and future peace agreements. Slow implementation of the JPA and the National Plan for Civilian Protection is of serious concern. Japan welcomes every effort that the Sudanese Government makes in moving forward on these two arrangements. We also urge the Government to further strengthen its measures to counter intercommunal violence, which has led to large-scale internal displacement.
Third, concerning peacebuilding, civilian protection and the rule of law, we are deeply concerned by the excessive use of force against peaceful protestors who practice their legitimate right of peaceful gathering. We call upon the authorities to take appropriate measures to stop these acts against non-violent demonstrators.
Last but not least, we pay close attention that conditions for ordinary Sudanese are worsening. It is of the utmost importance to bring back a civilian-led transitional government that can ensure that Sudan receives sufficient humanitarian assistance from the international community.
Mr. President,
Let me conclude by reiterating Japan’s full support for the role of UNITAMS. Last December, Japan decided to make a contribution of six hundred sixty-four thousand four hundred thirty five US dollars (US$ 664,435) to support UNITAMS activities in Blue Nile and South Kurdufan. Japan remains firmly committed to supporting Sudan’s democratic transition and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for peace, freedom and justice, and encourages the Sudanese government to enhance its effort in this regard.
Thank you, Mr. President.