Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the GA Plenary Meeting on Mandate Implementation Review under UN80 Initiative (EOV after the vote)

Mme. President,
 
First of all, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to the Co-Chairs, Ambassador Schwalger of New Zealand and Ambassador Wallace of Jamaica, for their tireless efforts and skillful leadership, which have brought us to this point and enabled the successful, near-consensus conclusion of our work.
 
Of course, it is regrettable that we were not able to achieve full consensus. I should also note that, for Japan, the final document adopted today does not fully reflect our positions.  
 
Nevertheless, Japan considers that the document represents the most balanced and carefully calibrated outcome of the discussions over the past six months, and reflects the best possible efforts of the Co-Chairs to accommodate the views of as many delegations as possible.

Accordingly, Japan supported the adoption of the resolution put forward by the Co-Chairs and was encouraged to see that an overwhelming majority of Member States also lent their support.
 
For Japan, the significance of this resolution lies in the fact that it incorporates elements that we have long advocated—namely, the inclusion of implementation review clauses for both new and existing mandates, as well as retirement clauses for new mandates as appropriate.
 
Furthermore, a mechanism covering the entire lifecycle of mandates has now been introduced.
 
We consider this a historic achievement, made possible by the skillful stewardship of the Co-Chairs and the constructive engagement of all Member States.
 
Our delegation intends to continue to engage constructively in the Ad Hoc Working Group to be established pursuant to this resolution.
 
At the same time, the document contains elements that Member States can begin to implement immediately, without waiting for the outcome of the working group.
 
Therefore, we are committed to working closely with other Member States to take forward these measures with the necessary support of the Secretariat.
 
Finally, the efforts undertaken under Workstream 2 have now yielded an important outcome. However, this achievement remains, for the time being, on paper. The real task ahead is to translate this outcome into concrete action, and Japan stands ready to work closely with many other Member States to advance this effort.
 
I thank you.