Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Open Briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
2023/10/31
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to start by thanking the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for his insightful briefing.
The dedication of UNHCR, especially when working in challenging environments such as in Afghanistan and Myanmar, is truly commendable.
As a major contributor to UNHCR, Japan pledges our steadfast support to ensure that UNHCR's endeavors continue firmly. Our top-political level also conveyed Japan’s strong resolution during the High Commissioner’s recent visit to Japan a few weeks ago.
Mr. President,
The remarks from the High Commissioner are a vivid alert that the increase in global conflict zones leads to displacement and a growing disregard for international humanitarian law.
Japan once again unequivocally condemns Hamas’ brutal terror attack on Israel, and its taking of hostages. Hostages must be released immediately without any conditions. The international community should never tolerate such heinous acts.
At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The Palestinian people are in desperate need of food, water, fuel and medicine. We need to scale up our assistance to meet these urgent needs.
It is important for us to redouble our diplomatic efforts so that the situation calms down and does not spill over across the region.
Mr. President,
With the displacement numbers soaring past 110 million, the international community must rally together. Immediate relief aid, though essential, is just a part of the solution. We must think long-term, focusing on sustainable development initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also set the foundation for lasting stability.
Moreover, these development strategies should be in sync with peacebuilding efforts. This dual approach will ensure we address not just the symptoms but also the root causes of displacement, crafting durable solutions in the process.
Mr. President,
By integrating humanitarian, development, and peace-building efforts, we can pave the way for a future where refugees and host communities alike can experience enhanced human security and increased self-sufficiency.
In this vein, Japan has initiated a multi-stakeholder pledge, emphasizing the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus in anticipation of the Second Global Refugee Forum in December. We are eager and ready to join hands with all stakeholders willing to be a part of this journey.
Mr. President,
The Second GRF should also be a catalyst for fostering whole-of-society engagement. In this regard, it is imperative to embrace a comprehensive and inclusive approach to refugee situations. One way is to amplify synergies between public and private sectors.
Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo, has a twelve-year partnership with UNHCR. Under this initiative, Fast Retailing has been providing a sewing training program in Bangladesh. This public-private partnership initiative exemplifies the positive impact such cooperation can have on refugees. Japan calls on Member States to explore and forge similar partnerships, meaningful for refugees.
Mr. President,
The late Ogata Sadako once said, quote, “Refugee problems may often seem intractable, but they are not insoluble. In our experience there are two basic prerequisites for solution: the political will of leaders to tackle the causes and to settle for peace, and international determination to push for peace and then to consolidate it,” unquote.
Let us demonstrate this political will and gather this international determination. The plight of refugees must be alleviated, and the Security Council ought to lead by example.
I thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to start by thanking the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for his insightful briefing.
The dedication of UNHCR, especially when working in challenging environments such as in Afghanistan and Myanmar, is truly commendable.
As a major contributor to UNHCR, Japan pledges our steadfast support to ensure that UNHCR's endeavors continue firmly. Our top-political level also conveyed Japan’s strong resolution during the High Commissioner’s recent visit to Japan a few weeks ago.
Mr. President,
The remarks from the High Commissioner are a vivid alert that the increase in global conflict zones leads to displacement and a growing disregard for international humanitarian law.
Japan once again unequivocally condemns Hamas’ brutal terror attack on Israel, and its taking of hostages. Hostages must be released immediately without any conditions. The international community should never tolerate such heinous acts.
At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The Palestinian people are in desperate need of food, water, fuel and medicine. We need to scale up our assistance to meet these urgent needs.
It is important for us to redouble our diplomatic efforts so that the situation calms down and does not spill over across the region.
Mr. President,
With the displacement numbers soaring past 110 million, the international community must rally together. Immediate relief aid, though essential, is just a part of the solution. We must think long-term, focusing on sustainable development initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also set the foundation for lasting stability.
Moreover, these development strategies should be in sync with peacebuilding efforts. This dual approach will ensure we address not just the symptoms but also the root causes of displacement, crafting durable solutions in the process.
Mr. President,
By integrating humanitarian, development, and peace-building efforts, we can pave the way for a future where refugees and host communities alike can experience enhanced human security and increased self-sufficiency.
In this vein, Japan has initiated a multi-stakeholder pledge, emphasizing the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus in anticipation of the Second Global Refugee Forum in December. We are eager and ready to join hands with all stakeholders willing to be a part of this journey.
Mr. President,
The Second GRF should also be a catalyst for fostering whole-of-society engagement. In this regard, it is imperative to embrace a comprehensive and inclusive approach to refugee situations. One way is to amplify synergies between public and private sectors.
Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo, has a twelve-year partnership with UNHCR. Under this initiative, Fast Retailing has been providing a sewing training program in Bangladesh. This public-private partnership initiative exemplifies the positive impact such cooperation can have on refugees. Japan calls on Member States to explore and forge similar partnerships, meaningful for refugees.
Mr. President,
The late Ogata Sadako once said, quote, “Refugee problems may often seem intractable, but they are not insoluble. In our experience there are two basic prerequisites for solution: the political will of leaders to tackle the causes and to settle for peace, and international determination to push for peace and then to consolidate it,” unquote.
Let us demonstrate this political will and gather this international determination. The plight of refugees must be alleviated, and the Security Council ought to lead by example.
I thank you, Mr. President.