Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Briefing to the Security Council on “the Values of Human Fraternity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace”
2023/6/14
(As delivered)
I thank Madam President for organizing this meeting.
I also thank the Secretary-General for his intervention, and I thank His Eminence Al-Tayeb, His Excellency Archbishop Gallagher, and Ms. Ziaten for their powerful call for tolerance and peace.
Madam President,
Today, we find ourselves in a world that is more troubled by violent conflicts than at any time since World War II, with a staggering two billion people living in conflict zones. Intolerance, violent extremism, and discrimination are serious factors that fuel the emergence, intensification, and repetitive nature of conflicts.
Given this undeniable reality, it is befitting for the international community now, including the UN system such as this Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Economic and Social Council, to employ a perspective of tolerance as a means to address these issues and hence advance sustainable development and international peace and security.
Madam President,
Diversity can lead to violence if it drives a wedge in a society. Conversely, when paired with tolerance, diversity can serve as a catalyst for promoting the formation of an inclusive society enriched with colorful cultural values. In light of the diverse nature of our present world, the need to cultivate tolerance and strengthen our resilience against intolerance and violent extremism is evident from this perspective, too.
Japan recognizes the significant role that community and religious leaders can play to meet this need. Since 2018, Japan has been organizing the "Dialogue on Countering Violent Extremism in the Middle East," inviting influential religious figures and government officials from the region.
This dialogue serves as a platform for participants to explore crucial aspects of combating violent extremism, including recent discussions on developing counter-narratives against it. In the latest forum, the participants also exchanged views with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI) and UNITAR.
In the Middle East, Japan has undertaken various initiatives to support economic and social development for Palestinians and build confidence among relevant parties.
These include the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP), the flagship project of the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” as well as the "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)." These frameworks can help lay the groundwork for promoting tolerance in the region through economic and social stability.
Madam President,
Giving priority to safeguarding and empowering individuals and communities is crucial in the fight against violent extremism, with the ultimate goal of fostering lives characterized by freedom and dignity. Embracing a human security approach therefore emerges as an effective means to do so. Japan has consistently leveraged such an approach, including through the UN Trust Fund for Human Security.
For example, our recent efforts in East Java, a province in Indonesia known for suffering from acts of violent extremism, took an integrated approach based on human security among vulnerable individuals and groups. Specific measures included campaigns at the village level to counter violent extremism, preventing recruitment through violent extremism via the Internet, SNS, and other modern technologies and addressing its harmful trap. This project also aimed to strengthen the education and judicial systems, a key measure in addressing the issues of intolerance, violent extremism, and discrimination to build peace.
Madam President,
It is imperative for the international community, including this Council, to undertake effective measures aimed at addressing intolerance and promoting reconciliation and peacebuilding society marred by conflicts.
In light of this, the draft resolution on tolerance and international peace and security, put forth by the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, may serve as a catalyst to encourage and support these endeavors. In this vein, Japan supports the draft resolution.
Madam President,
Japan steadfastly reaffirms its commitment to conflict prevention and the establishment of long-lasting peace. The core of these efforts is grounded in principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence and ensuring human security.
I thank you, Madam President.
I also thank the Secretary-General for his intervention, and I thank His Eminence Al-Tayeb, His Excellency Archbishop Gallagher, and Ms. Ziaten for their powerful call for tolerance and peace.
Madam President,
Today, we find ourselves in a world that is more troubled by violent conflicts than at any time since World War II, with a staggering two billion people living in conflict zones. Intolerance, violent extremism, and discrimination are serious factors that fuel the emergence, intensification, and repetitive nature of conflicts.
Given this undeniable reality, it is befitting for the international community now, including the UN system such as this Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Economic and Social Council, to employ a perspective of tolerance as a means to address these issues and hence advance sustainable development and international peace and security.
Madam President,
Diversity can lead to violence if it drives a wedge in a society. Conversely, when paired with tolerance, diversity can serve as a catalyst for promoting the formation of an inclusive society enriched with colorful cultural values. In light of the diverse nature of our present world, the need to cultivate tolerance and strengthen our resilience against intolerance and violent extremism is evident from this perspective, too.
Japan recognizes the significant role that community and religious leaders can play to meet this need. Since 2018, Japan has been organizing the "Dialogue on Countering Violent Extremism in the Middle East," inviting influential religious figures and government officials from the region.
This dialogue serves as a platform for participants to explore crucial aspects of combating violent extremism, including recent discussions on developing counter-narratives against it. In the latest forum, the participants also exchanged views with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI) and UNITAR.
In the Middle East, Japan has undertaken various initiatives to support economic and social development for Palestinians and build confidence among relevant parties.
These include the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP), the flagship project of the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” as well as the "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)." These frameworks can help lay the groundwork for promoting tolerance in the region through economic and social stability.
Madam President,
Giving priority to safeguarding and empowering individuals and communities is crucial in the fight against violent extremism, with the ultimate goal of fostering lives characterized by freedom and dignity. Embracing a human security approach therefore emerges as an effective means to do so. Japan has consistently leveraged such an approach, including through the UN Trust Fund for Human Security.
For example, our recent efforts in East Java, a province in Indonesia known for suffering from acts of violent extremism, took an integrated approach based on human security among vulnerable individuals and groups. Specific measures included campaigns at the village level to counter violent extremism, preventing recruitment through violent extremism via the Internet, SNS, and other modern technologies and addressing its harmful trap. This project also aimed to strengthen the education and judicial systems, a key measure in addressing the issues of intolerance, violent extremism, and discrimination to build peace.
Madam President,
It is imperative for the international community, including this Council, to undertake effective measures aimed at addressing intolerance and promoting reconciliation and peacebuilding society marred by conflicts.
In light of this, the draft resolution on tolerance and international peace and security, put forth by the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, may serve as a catalyst to encourage and support these endeavors. In this vein, Japan supports the draft resolution.
Madam President,
Japan steadfastly reaffirms its commitment to conflict prevention and the establishment of long-lasting peace. The core of these efforts is grounded in principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence and ensuring human security.
I thank you, Madam President.