Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the plenary meeting: Prevention of Armed Conflict [item 30]: Note by the Secretary-General (A/77/751) [International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011]

Mr. President.
 
I thank Ms. Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, for her briefing.
 
The Syrian crisis enters its 13^th year with no political resolution in sight. Over half of the population remains displaced and more than 100,000 people are missing. On top of this, the earthquakes in February devastated a land already scarred by war.
 
The suffering of the Syrian people is beyond measure and must be addressed by the global community. The world cannot ignore the international crimes and human rights abuses that have taken place during this conflict. Ensuring accountability is essential, not just to provide justice to the victims, but also to prevent future violations in Syria and beyond. Failure to hold perpetrators to account would have “ripple effects” worldwide and seriously undermine the stability and prosperity of the international community under the rule of law.
 
Japan firmly believes that the IIIM has played a critical role in combatting impunity and laying the foundation for inclusive justice since its establishment in 2016. The Mechanism is a vital component to assisting investigations and prosecution of core international crimes committed in Syria since March 2011.
 
We welcome the IIIM’s progress during the past year in implementing its mandate. We also welcome its new comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan to serve broader justice objectives including clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons. In this vein, Japan appreciates the Secretary-General’s report proposing to establish a new body to address the issue of missing persons, and we will constructively engage in discussions on this recommendation to ensure that the proposed body would effectively serve its objectives.
 
We also applaud the Mechanism’s victim/survivor-centered approach and its extensive cooperation with Syrian civil society to collect evidence of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses and to facilitate fair and independent criminal proceedings.
 
The Syrian people have suffered far too long and they deserve to see a glimpse of peace on the horizon. Japan is committed to playing its part in supporting international efforts towards achieving a political solution in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, which remains the best pathway to peace and stability in Syria.
 
I thank you Mr. President.