Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Annual session - Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees in the Context of Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
2024/12/2

(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I also thank today’s briefers for providing insights.
To begin with, I would like to share four thoughts on peacebuilding efforts which can contribute to supporting solutions and preventing displacement.
First and foremost, saving the lives of displaced persons and refugees once a displacement crisis occurs. The world is now facing such crises in Syria, Sudan, Gaza, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and more.
The human security and dignity of those displaced and in vulnerable situations should be upheld through swift emergency support.
This leads me to my second point: institution building to deliver basic services. For the support being sustainable, it is necessary to restore conditions that allow for safe, prompt and sustainable returns and resettlement of displaced persons and refugees. It is also important to mitigate the burden on host countries through targeted development initiatives. Taking an example in Mauritania, one of the pillars of Japan’s development cooperation efforts in is strengthening the national and local authorities’ capacity to address refugee assistance.
Third, early planning of comprehensive strategies with a long-term perspective. This approach is crucial for fostering sustainable peace and stability as it can help prevent further displacement, as well as mitigate the impact of displacement when it does occur. Thus in many occasions, Japan tried to simultaneously delivers urgently needed humanitarian assistance alongside medium- and long-term initiatives to build resilience, that demonstrates Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus.
Fourth, supporting self-reliance of refugees and displaced persons through the lens of human security. Medium- to long-term initiatives that protect and empower individuals to develop their potentials are essential not only for their self-reliance but also for contributing to the peace and reconstruction of their homelands.
Mr. Chair,
To support national-led efforts to address and prevent renewed or protracted displacement, it is vital for the PBC to continue tackling challenges jointly working with ECOSOC. These platforms allow us to share best practices, facilitate comprehensive discussions among diverse stakeholders, and mobilize political and financial resources for related national and regional strategies and plans. As the PBC accumulates such good practices and expertise, its advice should be requested by the Security Council, particularly regarding displacement issues, which remain a root cause of insecurity and instability.
Mr. Chair,
Looking forward, allow me to propose three suggestions for the PBC meetings on internally displaced persons and refugees.
First, providing actionable policy elements in the Chair’s summary of today’s meeting as a reference for interested countries in formulating national and regional strategies or plans on displacement.
Second, inviting International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to brief. Enhanced and coordinated financial mobilization has been repeatedly emphasized by Member States. Including IFIs in our discussions can help them align their visions, priorities, and mandates with those of the UN for more effective collaboration.
Third, sharing the successes and impacts of PBF projects.
Increased visibility can attract additional funding and encourage convergence of various funding sources toward shared objectives.
To conclude, let me reiterate Japan’s continuous commitment to fostering effective and coherent collaboration on this matter in pursuit of peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
I thank you.