第76回国連総会第4委員会一般討論における濱本公使ステートメント

1. Opening

Madam Chair,
Distinguished Delegates,

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to you and to the Secretariat for your work to convene this important committee amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.

2. Assistance in mine action (item 51)

Madam Chair,

Mines and unexploded ordinance kill and injure thousands of individuals every year. Despite significant progress, including the steady destruction of stockpiles and continual decrease of minefields in most affected countries, landmines continue to threaten the lives, livelihoods and dignity of local populations.

With its knowledge and technologies in mine action, Japan actively contributes towards the international goal to “end the suffering and casualties caused by antipersonnel mines”. In 2020 alone, we provided assistance in 21 countries and regions, amounting to approximately 39 million US dollars, in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), other international organizations, and NGOs. Japan continues to play an active role on mine action.

3. Effects of atomic radiation (item 52)

Madam Chair,

In light of the importance of disseminating the findings of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), in particular to the wider public, we commend the publication of its 2020 report on the “Levels and effects of radiation exposure due to the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station”.

The Committee plays a vital role in providing scientific assessments and reports on the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation, and its work helps us evaluate radiation risks and establish radiation protections and safety standards from which we all benefit.

Japan has long been deeply committed to nuclear safety, even more so following the nuclear accident in 2011.

We appreciate the publication of the report in the year marking the tenth anniversary of the accident. We hope that dialogue on the report will be held in Fukushima and believe that UNSCEAR's activities will contribute to the prefecture’s recovery.

4. International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space (item 53)

Madam Chair,

Japan reiterates its strong commitment to international cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space.

Considering the growing number of space actors, it is important that each country conducts its space activities in a responsible manner that ensures the safety, security, sustainability, and stability of outer space, in accordance with the normative framework. In this context, Japan welcomes the progress made at this year’s discussions during the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the election of a new Chair for the Long-Term Sustainability 2.0 Working Group and the establishment of a new space resources Working Group.

Japan is actively engaged in space cooperation with our international partners for the benefit of all, including in the areas of human spaceflight, space exploration and science, and remote sensing. We are also promoting regional cooperation and capacity-building. This year, Japan initiated a joint project with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) on "Space Law for New Space Actors" to support Asia-Pacific countries in drafting their national space legislation and policy. We hope to further contribute to expanding the peaceful uses of outer space by promoting international space cooperation.

5. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (item 54)

Madam Chair,

UNRWA plays a vital role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. We need to ensure that UNRWA helps Palestine refugees achieve their full potential. Japan will continue to support UNRWA's work to provide basic services, including healthcare, protection, and livelihood opportunities, for the most vulnerable groups.

Japan appreciates UNRWA’s commitment to reforms in its operations and governance in order to become more efficient, transparent and accountable. Japan reiterates the importance of ensuring that the Agency maintains its neutrality.

In 2021, Japan has pledged and disbursed 40.9 million USD to UNRWA, including 1.63 million USD for the Programme Budget to sustain its core services. In addition, Japan has donated 5.3 million USD to mitigate food insecurity among Palestine refugees in response to the May escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. As a consistent partner of the Agency, Japan reaffirms its continued support to UNRWA.

6. Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories (item 55)

Madam Chair,

I would like to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting a two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.

The devastating acts of violence exchanged between Israel and Palestinian militants in May hindered prospects for building trust between the parties and making progress on the Middle East Peace Process. Japan appreciates the fact that the ceasefire has been sustained since May.

On the other hand, the situation on the ground, including acts of violence by both sides, as well as continuous settlement activities and destruction of Palestinian homes and expulsions of Palestinians by Israeli authorities in the West Bank, remains worrisome. Japan reiterates that the solution can never be achieved through violence but only through negotiations, and through efforts to build mutual trust between the parties. In this regard, Japan welcomes recent high-level contacts between the two sides and measures taken by Israel to ease access restrictions on the Gaza Strip as positive steps to build mutual trust.

Through its unique initiatives, such as the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity", Japan will continue to promote the economic self-reliance of Palestine and facilitate confidence-building between the two sides.

7. Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects (item 56) and Comprehensive review of special political missions (item 57)

Madam Chair,

Japan appreciates the continued efforts of the Secretariat to advance the initiatives on Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) to a new phase with the introduction of the Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+). I assure you of Japan’s full commitment to A4P+ to bring about more impactful peacekeeping.

Among the initiatives, Japan particularly emphasizes the importance of capacity-building. Through the UN Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP), Japan has provided trainings to peacekeepers from TCCs in the engineering and medical fields. We commend the Secretariat's work to expand the TPP to incorporate innovative technologies, such as initiating a telemedicine capacity-building pilot project, which Japan proudly supports.

More Member States are participating in the growing TPP. We hope that partnerships on capacity-building will broaden this participation further.

Madam Chair,

To provide seamless support to peace processes or conflict prevention, SPMs bear a critical role. Japan recognizes the achievements by SPMs to date and reiterates its support for them.

8. Information (agenda item 58)

Madam Chair,

The Department of Global Communications (DGC) could not reach as many people as it does without the vast global network of UN Information Centers (UNICs), each of which provides information on UN activities to local populations in their languages. This year, on the occasion of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, UNIC Tokyo played a vital role in highlighting actions and solutions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals through sports, carrying out the first of the SDG Media Zone Series. Japan greatly appreciates this initiative of the DGC delivered by UNIC and expresses its congratulations on the initiative's success.

Let me also express our gratitude for the arrangement of this year’s Peace Bell Ceremony held on 17 September, conducted by the DGC.

The Peace Bell, donated by Japan in 1954, was cast from coins and medals collected and donated from over 60 countries, working together to create a beautiful symbol. Now more than ever, we must focus on cooperation and the sharing of information to promote peace.

9. Closing

Madam Chair,

While we are all experiencing an exceptional situation, I assure you that Japan will continue its contributions to the discussions in this committee.

I thank you.