Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the U.N. Charter and Strengthening the U.N.-Centered International System”

Thank you, Mr. President.

As competition among nations has become more intense and complex, a free and open international order based on the rule of law is being severely shaken, and multilateralism is facing significant challenges. It is now more important than ever for Member States to join forces rather than remain divided within the UN.

As Japan has repeatedly stated, the rule of law is the fundamental principle underpinning multilateralism. The importance of upholding the UN Charter's vision for international peace and security and respecting the Charter's purposes and principles cannot be overemphasized. Japan reiterates that any attempt to acquire territory by force must never be tolerated.

It should be also underscored that we must cooperate with one another to confront serious violations of the principles of the Charter. In this regard, Japan is convinced that the “Friendly Relations Declaration,” adopted in 1970 after overcoming serious divisions among Member States through persistent dialogue, serves as a basis for uniting today’s increasingly divided international community.

Furthermore, Japan emphasizes the role of international judicial institutions such as ICJ, ICC and ITLOS in reinforcing the rule of law in the international community and in substantiating norms and principles under international law. In this regard, only 75 states have made a declaration under Article 36 (2) of the ICJ Statute on the acceptance of its compulsory jurisdiction. Japan calls for Member States who have not yet done so to make this declaration, which contributes to strengthening the role of international judicial institutions and clearly testifies to a strong commitment to the rule of law.

For international judicial bodies to function effectively, it is essential that all nations accept their rulings and implement them in good faith. Once a State accepts the jurisdiction of judicial bodies through treaty or declaration, even if a ruling is unfavorable, it is impermissible to ignore it. It must be emphasized that if legally binding judgments and awards are not followed, the rule of law will be reduced to nothing more than a slogan.

Mr. President,

As Russia has made a groundless statement against Japan, I would like to clarify a couple of points.

First of all, regarding Article 107 of the Charter, GA resolution 50/52, adopted by an overwhelming majority in 1995, recognized the clause as obsolete, and GA resolution 60/1, adopted by consensus, resolved to delete references to “enemy states” from the Charter.

Japan’s consistent contributions to international peace and stability as a peace-loving nation are widely recognized. Japan has been always faithful to the Charter and upheld international law based on the principle of the rule of law. Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities are in response to an increasingly severe security environment and are not directed against any specific country. Japan has consistently maintained an “exclusively defense-oriented policy” under its Constitution.

Russia is continuing its aggression against Ukraine in violation of the Charter. It is ridiculous to criticize Japan’s defense posture as 'militaristic'. It is even more so for a State continuing its own military aggression in clear violation of the Charter.

Mr. President,

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s membership in the UN. Japan remains committed to upholding multilateralism, with the UN at its core, and strengthening the UN system, including the Security Council reform. Japan will continue contributing actively and constructively to resolving challenges facing the international community.

I thank you.