Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council (Adoption) EOV after the vote on the mandate renewal of the Verification Mission of in Colombia

2024/10/30

(As delivered)
 
Thank you, Madam President.
 
I would like to thank the United Kingdom as the penholder for its efforts to incorporate recent developments into the comprehensive text.
 
Japan welcomes the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of the resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) for another year. This decision reinforces the international community’s dedication to supporting sustainable peace in Colombia.
 
We would like to highlight the reference to three focus areas of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)’s latest written advice in particular, namely, rural reform, the Ethnic Chapter and transitional justice. Japan, as a longstanding PBC member, assures that the PBC carefully selected these areas based on its cross-regional and discussions at meetings requested by Colombia. The PBC’s advice is also based on informal coordination among related stakeholders, as well as information gained from Peacebuilding Fund projects in Colombia totaling over 60 million dollars since 2014. We note that the Council has expressed its serious concern on the status of the implementation of the Ethnic Chapter and emphasized the critical importance of implementing a comprehensive rural reform.
 
We welcome this as a positive step forward in the Council’s use of the PBC, and encourage the Council members and Colombia to fully utilize the PBC’s advisory, bridging and convening role, particularly in these three areas. Japan also looks forward to seeing the continued advancement of the PBC’s expertise, contributing to a refined PBC advisory role and further engagements. Japan believes that such cooperation will foster coherent and effective support for Colombia’s comprehensive peace process.
 
Moreover, we welcome that the resolution emphasizes the Mission’s continued support to victims and survivors of conflict, including those affected by sexual and gender-based violence.
 
In closing, Japan reaffirms its unwavering support for the UNVMC and remains committed to supporting Colombia’s peace process.
 
Thank you.