Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on MINUSCA

I would like to express my gratitude to SRSG Rugwabiza for her briefing. I welcome the presence of Her Excellency, Foreign Minister Baipo Temon of the Central African Republic (CAR).  
 
For sustainable peace and stability in CAR, further promotion of political reconciliation and socioeconomic reintegration in remote areas is essential. It is welcome that the government of CAR remains committed to fully implementing the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR) with its strong ownership.
 
I would like to highlight three points regarding the ongoing state-building efforts by CAR in partnership with MINUSCA.
 
First, pursuing a political solution through inclusive engagement with all stakeholders remains key. The recent high-level national conference on reducing seasonal transhumance-related violence is indeed one of such initiatives for addressing an increasing problem.

The devised strategies must be followed by concrete actions based on a whole-of-society approach.
 
It is also encouraging that the government continues the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR) process for armed groups. This process must be demonstrated to be transparent and credible by conducting appropriate vetting especially for reintegration into the national forces.
 
Second, the decentralization of the peace process must further advance to put local stakeholders in the driver’s seat for addressing challenges they face including intercommunal tensions. The presence of elected local leaders is the key for local governance reform to build resilient communities, and thus the forthcoming local elections to be held this year must be fair, open, inclusive, and credible, and should be an opportunity for both men and women to participate in that process for the betterment of their social welfare. Healing deep divisions in the country demands a credible election process where differing voices including those of women, IDPs and ex-combatants are duly heard in a fair and inclusive manner. 
 
Finally, the rule of law needs to prevail throughout the country, and the fight against impunity should be reinforced. We welcome progress in institution building including the Special Criminal Court and expansion of the judicial service into remote areas from the capital.
 
We remain deeply concerned over continued human rights violations and abuses committed by armed groups, state actors and other security personnel, and cycles of violence around mining sites. The judicial system must be well utilized to play a role for long-term reconciliation and stability backed by the ongoing efforts to extend the state’s authority. 
 
CAR’s borders remain porous, which poses a serious challenge. The recent launch of the government’s border management policy is a welcome development and should be supported by regional and international cooperation.
 
Japan remains committed to working with international partners towards peace and stability in CAR.
 
I thank you.