Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Assembly Informal Meeting on Myanmar
2023/3/16
Mr. President,
Thank you for convening this meeting. I would like to start by thanking the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ms. Heyzer, for her insightful briefing. Japan commends her tireless work to engage all stakeholders and cooperate with the Member States, especially in the region.
Japan expresses serious concern about the further extension of the state of emergency declared in Myanmar in February. We regret that the Myanmar military has made no positive steps toward achieving political progress during the past two years despite numerous calls from the international community, including Japan. This includes its failure to release all detainees.
Japan strongly condemns the current situation in Myanmar, where the use of violence has been causing a large number of casualties. We once again urge all stakeholders to make their best efforts to refrain from violence and find a peaceful solution in order to restore peace and stability in the country.
At the same time, humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar remains an urgent priority. Since the coup d’etat, Japan has provided over 108 million US dollars in humanitarian assistance to those in need, including the Rohingya people, while constantly exploring how best to implement such assistance. Meanwhile, Japan will continue urging the Myanmar military to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access. In this connection, Japan appreciates the report by Ms. Heyzer and takes note of the suggested approaches, including the idea of launching an Inclusive Humanitarian Forum among the parties concerned.
The human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar needs to be improved in a manner that reflects the will of the people of Myanmar. Japan will continue to work closely with the international community, including ASEAN, and make untiring efforts to improve the situation in Myanmar.
Thank you for convening this meeting. I would like to start by thanking the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ms. Heyzer, for her insightful briefing. Japan commends her tireless work to engage all stakeholders and cooperate with the Member States, especially in the region.
Japan expresses serious concern about the further extension of the state of emergency declared in Myanmar in February. We regret that the Myanmar military has made no positive steps toward achieving political progress during the past two years despite numerous calls from the international community, including Japan. This includes its failure to release all detainees.
Japan strongly condemns the current situation in Myanmar, where the use of violence has been causing a large number of casualties. We once again urge all stakeholders to make their best efforts to refrain from violence and find a peaceful solution in order to restore peace and stability in the country.
At the same time, humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar remains an urgent priority. Since the coup d’etat, Japan has provided over 108 million US dollars in humanitarian assistance to those in need, including the Rohingya people, while constantly exploring how best to implement such assistance. Meanwhile, Japan will continue urging the Myanmar military to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access. In this connection, Japan appreciates the report by Ms. Heyzer and takes note of the suggested approaches, including the idea of launching an Inclusive Humanitarian Forum among the parties concerned.
The human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar needs to be improved in a manner that reflects the will of the people of Myanmar. Japan will continue to work closely with the international community, including ASEAN, and make untiring efforts to improve the situation in Myanmar.