Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMESTU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Arria-formula meeting on "Transitional Justice and Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic"

I thank you, Mr. President.
 
I thank the organizer and co-sponsors for convening this meeting, and I thank the briefers for their valuable insights.
 
Since the fall of the former authority, the situation both within and outside Syria has undergone dramatic changes. Japan is committed to providing concrete support for an inclusive, peaceful, and stable transition led by the Syrian government and its people, both bilaterally and in coordination with the international community.
 
We welcome the progress being made in the political transition process, including last week’s inaugural session of the People’s Assembly. At the same time, numerous challenges remain, including domestic security issues and economic recovery, and these challenges must be addressed effectively to gain strong support from Syrians as well the international community.
 
Japan firmly supports the work of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) for their role in supporting Syrian-led and Syrian-owned efforts to clarify the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons and provide support to their families. This is not only a humanitarian imperative, but contributes to national reconciliation and transitional justice, fostering social cohesion and restoring dignity to victims.
 
Japan welcomes the IIMP’s continued collaboration with the Syrian authorities, including the National Commission on Missing Peoples, and the development of their joint workplan last December. We also commend its growing cooperation with international stakeholders, including the ICRC, family associations and civil society organizations, towards effective implementation of its mandate.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan stands in solidarity with the victims, survivors, and families of missing persons in Syria. We remain committed to supporting efforts to uncover the truth, advance justice, and support a Syrian-led transition toward lasting peace.
 
I thank you.