Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Sudan

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank USG DiCarlo, OCHA Director Mr. Rajasingham, and Ms. Ahmadi for their sobering briefings. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Sudan joining us today.

Mr. President,

During its last meeting on Sudan, the Security Council heard the Secretary-General’s recommendations on protection of civilians amid the prolonged armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In that meeting, I stressed that it is the Council’s responsibility to act on the basis of his recommendations.

Japan welcomes the efforts at every level to take concrete steps in this regard. We must do what we can without delay.

Japan thanks Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom for initiating Council discussions and looks forward to engaging constructively. Japan reiterates the importance of Council unity to empower the United Nations to conduct its activities to protect civilians in Sudan.

Today, I would like to touch on the following three points.

First, Japan demands that the parties immediately stop fighting, as has been repeatedly called for by the Security Council. They must also facilitate and allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and uphold their obligations under international law, especially international humanitarian law, as well as their commitments including the Jeddah Declaration.

Japan remains gravely concerned about reports of sexual and gender-based violence, and by acute food insecurity and the risk that it will spread across the country. Japan calls for the Adre border crossing to remain open to allow consistent delivery of humanitarian assistance.

International, regional, national and non-governmental efforts to monitor and document human rights violations are critically important. Violators must be held accountable. The parties must protect important civilian infrastructure including health care and communication.

External interference fomenting the conflict must stop immediately. Japan reminds the Member States and the parties concerned of the obligations spelled out in the arms embargo and that violations may lead to designation for targeted measures.

This leads me to my second point. Japan welcomes that the Sudan Sanctions Committee designated two RSF generals for its sanctions list last Friday. Through this designation, the Council members were able to show unity and send a strong message to those parties operating in Darfur that violations of human rights are unacceptable.

Thirdly, Japan supports international and regional diplomatic and political efforts for peace. These efforts should be coordinated and complementary and include all segments of Sudanese society, including women and youth, to pave the way for a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned democratic political transition. In this vein, Japan supports the initiatives by the SG’s Personal Envoy Mr. Lamamra as well as the African Union and League of Arab States.

To conclude, I reiterate Japan’s unwavering support for the aspirations of the Sudanese people to live in peace and with dignity. Japan will continue to engage with Sudan as a responsible member of the Security Council and the international community.

I thank you.