Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Protection of Civilians

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I thank Greece for convening this important annual open debate and I also thank all the briefers for their sobering briefings.

Before starting my statement on today’s agenda, I would like to express our sincere condolences on the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington D.C. last night. Terrorism is not tolerated anywhere in the world. Japan strongly condemns all forms of terrorism.

Japan is deeply concerned about the widespread attacks against civilians, including children, women and girls, journalists, humanitarian and UN personnel, and diplomats. Deliberate attacks against civilians are a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law (IHL). 

It is entirely unacceptable that more than 36,000 civilian deaths were recorded in 14 armed conflicts in 2024, as highlighted by the Secretary-General’s latest report.     
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan is gravely concerned by the devastating situation in Gaza, where a deplorable number of civilians, including aid workers, have been killed and injured. Up to 86 percent of the population is facing severe food insecurity, and approximately 90 percent have been internally displaced.

In this regard, the incident of warning shots on May 21^st fired by the Israeli military during a site visit to a refugee camp by diplomatic delegations, including Japan, is deeply regrettable.
 
We are also deeply concerned about the dire situation in Sudan, where over half of the population is enduring acute levels of food insecurity and a record 10.5 million people have been internally displaced.     
 
In Ukraine, Russia’s ruthless and indiscriminate attacks on critical infrastructure including hospitals, schools and power plants continue to result in the death and injury of innocent civilians. We strongly condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in grave violation of the UN Charter.        
 
Turning to Asia, the deteriorating situation in Myanmar remains our deep concern as many innocent civilians have been killed and wounded since the coup d’état in 2021. Conditions have been further exacerbated by the recent earthquake. Nearly 1 million people were newly displaced in the first half of 2024 alone and humanitarian actors continue to face restrictions on access. 
 
Mr. President,

Our collective effort to prevent civilians from bearing the brunt of armed conflicts is required more than ever.     
 
First and foremost, all parties must comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. It is regrettable that this must be repeatedly emphasized in this chamber, as we continue to see disregard for international law.

Japan also once again calls for allowing and facilitating full, rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access and for upholding Security Council Resolution 2730 to protect humanitarian and UN personnel.     
 
We further emphasize the importance of promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda in combating gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence.
 
Mr. President,
 
Civilians face grave danger from landmines and unexploded ordnance even long after a conflict ends. To address this critical challenge, Japan has actively contributed to humanitarian assistance through mine action, which is vital for protecting civilians, supporting peace operations, and achieving post-conflict reconstruction. In 2024 alone, Japan provided approximately 72 million US dollars in assistance in 27 countries and regions.   
 
Japan also promotes triangular cooperation with Cambodia through a collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, where the two countries have helped train over 500 demining personnel from countries such as Colombia, Laos, Angola, and Iraq. Our recent capacity building efforts also cover Ukraine.
 
In conclusion, as a strong advocate of human security, Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with the UN, humanitarian partners, and civil society to safeguard civilians.
 
I thank you.