Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Arria-formula Meeting, "Safeguarding Lives, Sustaining Peace: Enhancing Mine Action for Stabilization, Protection, Recovery, and Inclusion"

 

 
I thank USG Lacroix and Ambassador Keo for their insightful briefings. Let me pay my respect to Cambodia for successfully hosting the Fifth Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention last month.
 
Colleagues,

Seven years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 2365, highlighting mine action as vital for protecting civilians, supporting peace operations, and aiding humanitarian and stabilization efforts. Yet, landmines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices continue to pose serious threats, demanding stronger global action.
 
A comprehensive approach is essential. In July, Japan announced the "Comprehensive Package of Assistance for Humanitarian Mine Action” to strengthen our commitment. This package aims to provide assistance to all stages of mine action, including risk education, mine detection, clearance, and victim assistance, guided by the principle of human security.
 
Allow me to highlight three key points derived from our contributions to mine action, building on the Package.
 
First, we promote triangular cooperation with Cambodia as a hub. In collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, Japan has helped train over 500 demining personnel from countries such as Colombia, Laos, Angola, and Iraq. Our recent capacity building efforts also cover Ukraine, which is suffering from mines laid by Russia during its unprovoked war of aggression in violation of the UN Charter. Building on these efforts, we will continue to promote training and extend further support to third countries impacted by landmines.
 
Second, emerging technologies provide an opportunity for effective measures. Japan will utilize science and technology developed by Japanese companies, such as mine detectors and mine-predicting AI technology.
 
Third, we incorporate the perspectives of Women, Peace, and Security across all stages of mine action. The need of gender consideration is further emphasized in the recently adopted “Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan”.　　
 
Our commitment to prioritizing mine action is reflected on the numbers as well. We provided approximately 67 million dollars in assistance across 20 countries and regions in fiscal year 2023 alone, in collaboration with various partners such as the UNMAS and NGOs.

Looking ahead, expanding global cooperation in mine action remains crucial. Japan will enhance its contribution, including as President of the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention next year. Through collective action, we can move closer to realizing a mine-free world.