Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the CSW69 Side Event “Building Back Better: Gender-Sensitive and Inclusive Post-War Recovery in Ukraine”

Thank you.
 
Ministers, excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
 
I would like to thank Ukraine for organizing this event, as well as the distinguished speakers for their valuable remarks. Japan is pleased to cosponsor today’s event alongside other cosponsors.
 
Russia’s full-scale, unlawful aggression against Ukraine disproportionately affects women and girls. Japan commends Ukraine’s efforts and progress in mainstreaming gender equality in its recovery and reconstruction plans. Particularly, the establishment of the Platform for Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusive Recovery that we have heard about today is a notable initiative to guide efforts and ensure that women’s voices are incorporated into post-war reconstruction.
 
Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction are not just about physical ones. It is about rebuilding lives and communities in a way that empowers all people, particularly those most affected by the war, including women and girls.
 
To support these efforts, Japan has announced and steadily implemented assistance to Ukraine totaling over 12 billion USD. At the end of 2024, Japan decided to implement additional assistance of approximately 190 million USD for Ukraine and neighboring countries. It will support the most vulnerable displaced persons and victims of the war, including women and children.
 
We have also partnered with various organizations to implement gender-responsive initiatives in Ukraine and its neighboring countries.
 
In 2023, Japan supported a project by UN Women to strengthen prevention and response to violence against women and girls, as well as livelihood training in Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Moldova.
 
In 2024, Japan began supporting another UN Women project to strengthen the resilience of Ukrainian refugee women and girls in host countries, namely Georgia, Poland, and Slovakia. Refugee women and girls have been provided with holistic assistance combining socio-economic protection and educational support in their host communities.
 
This year marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. This resolution reminds us that women must be central to peacebuilding, reconstruction, and recovery from conflicts.
 
Japan has been a strong advocate of integrating WPS principles into recovery efforts. At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin last year, we highlighted the necessity of ensuring that women have equal access to decision-making roles in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
 
As co-chair of the WPS Focal Points Network alongside Norway this year, Japan renews its commitment to working with the international community to advance gender equality in post-conflict recovery, including in Ukraine.
 
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Women in Ukraine have already demonstrated their leadership, strength, and determination. Now, we must ensure they have the resources, opportunities, and platforms to shape the nation’s future.
 
It is not a matter of on which side we should stand. Japan stands with people of Ukraine. Together with our global partners, we will continue to support a gender-responsive and inclusive recovery, ensuring that all Ukrainians, including women and girls, can thrive in a peaceful and prosperous future.
 
Thank you.