Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations General Assembly Plenary Meeting on “Protracted conflicts in the GUAM area and their implications for international peace, security and development”

2023/6/7

(As delivered)
Mr. President,
 
First and foremost, I would like to reiterate Japan’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the GUAM countries.
 
People in Georgia continue to suffer from long-term forced displacement. Japan has proudly co-sponsored the draft GA resolution on the “Status of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from Georgia” expected to be adopted soon.
 
As the overwhelming majority of the General Assembly has repeatedly stated, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a grave violation of the UN Charter. In Ukraine, millions of civilians are displaced and continue to be deprived of freedom from fear, freedom from want, and freedom to live in dignity.
 
The protection of IDPs is an urgent issue, as civilians are the most affected by instability all over the world. To address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries which have generously accepted a great number of Ukranian people, including Moldova, Japan has exerted all the efforts in providing assistance. To date, Japan has pledged and been implementing a total of approximately 7.6 billion US Dollars in humanitarian, financial, food, and recovery and reconstruction assistance to Ukraine and its neighbor and other countries.
 
Japan is also committed to supporting the GUAM countries and their efforts to tackle various challenges caused by ongoing and protracted conflicts, including by providing assistance for IDPs and refugees.
 
Mr. President,
 
We, the Member States of the United Nations, are at a critical juncture facing serious challenges to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as the rule of law. This resolution embodies an important value of the Charter and reflects our collective commitment to upholding the rule of law. This is why Japan unequivocally support this resolution.
 
I thank you.