Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda item “The situation in Afghanistan”

 
Thank you Madam President.
 
First of all, I express a warm welcome to you (H.E. Ms.Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia) to the Council, and appreciate your presiding over this important meeting. I would like to thank Special Representative Otunbayeva and Executive Director Bahous of UN Women for their updates. I also thank Ms. Mina for her courageously sharing her heartbreaking experiences with us despite the difficult situation. I take your message is a serious plea for Afghan women and girls.
 
Three years have passed since the Taliban's return to power. I must regrettably say that the social, economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains bleak. Extreme poverty and significant deprivations of rights and freedoms persist. While the overall security situation has improved, the threat of terrorism continues. The country’s challenges are compounded by natural disasters and climate change. This is not sustainable, and cannot be addressed by Afghanistan or its neighbors alone.
 
Japan considers positively the result of the recent Special Envoys’ meeting in Doha, where the Taliban participated in a UN-sponsored conference for the first time. The Taliban expressed their views to the participating countries, and heard directly the concerns of the international community, especially regarding the issue of women’s and girls’ rights. In subsequent follow-up discussions on the way forward, Japan has supported the UN's step-by-step approach, and we are ready to make constructive contributions in any area that will be conducive to improving the situation.
 
Despite this positive momentum on the international front, the Taliban announced the so-called “vice and virtue law”. Japan is deeply concerned with this new law because it further restricts the rights of people, especially those of women and girls, and grants “inspectors” broad powers of enforcement. This has undoubtedly deepened anxiety among the Afghan people and would lead the human rights situation in an undesirable direction. Japan once again urges the Taliban to swiftly reverse its discriminatory and repressive policies. This is not only about human rights. It also undermines international engagement and confidence-building efforts, including the Doha Process.
 
The Taliban must listen to the voices of the Afghan people broadly. To send a clear message to this end, two weeks ago Japan held a joint stakeout on behalf of 12 Council members. I thank those countries who joined this initiative. This message has just been enhanced at a stakeout led by you, Madam Presindent. We strongly hope that the Taliban will take it seriously. Through our Embassy in Kabul, we continue to monitor the situation surrounding this new law, and communicate with Taliban officials.
 
Madam President,
 
Despite the difficult situation, Japan will not stop its engagement with Afghanistan and its support for the people on the ground. In July, Japan announced new assistance worth $10 million to improve the health and well-being of the Afghan people while supporting the reduction of drug demand and supply in Afghanistan through UNODC. The intent is to build on the significant reduction of poppy production achieved by the Taliban, and hopefully improve the environment for women as an important element of empowering local communities. Japan is sincere in its desire to help ease the suffering of the Afghan people, and we continue to do what we can.
 
Lastly, we take this opportunity to reiterate Japan’s support for the role of UNAMA and the SRSG Otunbayeva. We strongly believe that the Mission needs to be strengthened and a UN focal point should be nominated to facilitate the process. In this regard, we welcome the recent appointment of the new Deputy SRSG Gagnon and look forward to working with her.
 
As the penholder, we will continue to be actively involved in the situation in Afghanistan.
 
I thank you.