都市における戦争に関する安保理公開討論石兼公博大使ステートメント

Madam President,
 
I would like to begin by thanking Norway for convening this important meeting. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross and others for their briefings.
 
As a staunch supporter of the concept of human security, Japan attaches great importance to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, especially in urban settings. Urban warfare kills, injures and displaces significant numbers of civilians; it destroys critical civilian infrastructure and disrupts essential services; and explosive remnants of war hinder the reconstruction of cities and prevent the return of displaced persons, the return to school, and the recovery of livelihood. The Security Council and Member States must take concrete actions to prevent and mitigate such tragic impacts of war in cities.
 
In this context, Japan joined the statement of the Group of Friends of the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. Japan reiterates that international humanitarian law provides robust legal basis of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including in cities.
 
In the same vein, Japan co-sponsored the resolution 2573 (2021) on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, and echoes grave concern about indiscriminate attacks and the establishment of military positions in densely populated areas, as well as their devastating impacts upon civilians.
 
Madam President,
 
Japan is actively engaged in operational activities to help civilians affected by armed conflict, particularly in urban settings. For example, Japan has long supported the people in Gaza, including by contributing to the conflict preparedness and protection project of UNMAS, which substantially reduced the casualties due to explosive ordnance through extensive risk education. Last December, Japan also decided to support the explosive risk reduction project of UNMAS in Ethiopia.
 
Madam President,
 
Japan is determined to continue making every effort for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We will continue to work closely with other Member States, the United Nations system, international humanitarian organizations and civil society organizations to contribute to this endeavor.
 
Thank you very much.