Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Informal Meeting of the Plenary to hear a briefing by the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria

 
Thank you, Madam President.
 
I thank Madam Quintana, Head of the IIMP, for her valuable briefing, and extend our appreciation to her and her team for their tireless work.
 
Addressing missing persons in Syria remains a critical humanitarian issue, as many Syrians continue to suffer from the uncertainty around the fate or whereabouts of their missing loved ones. Japan wholeheartedly supports those seeking answers and underscores the importance of the international community continuing to support victims and their families.
 
Madam President,
 
Recent developments in Syria have created new opportunities to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, making the work of the IIMP increasingly important. Japan welcomes its efforts to support Syrian-led and Syrian-owned initiatives and its continued cooperation with the relevant Syrian authorities, including the National Commission for Missing Persons, and the launch of the joint workplan. We also commend its growing cooperation with the ICRC, family associations, and civil society organizations towards effective implementation of its mandate.
 
Madam President,
 
A victim-centered approach must remain at the heart of these efforts, placing the rights, dignity, safety, and needs of victims and their families at the forefront, while ensuring their meaningful participation. This principle is central to the work of the IIMP, and we hope it will also guide the National Commission for Missing Persons in Syria.
 
Japan stands in solidarity with the people of Syria and remains committed to supporting efforts to uphold the dignity and rights of victims and their families, including their right to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing loved ones.
 
I thank you.