文民保護に関する安保理公開討論における石兼大使ステートメント
令和5年5月23日
(As delivered)
I thank you for convening this important meeting. I would also like to thank the briefers for their insights.
Japan is deeply concerned by the frequent violations of International Humanitarian Law, notwithstanding the repeated resolve of the Council on the protection of civilians. Innocent civilians, especially vulnerable populations, including women, children, those with disabilities, refugees and the internally displaced, should not suffer.
The death of even one civilian in conflict is intolerable. The number of civilian deaths had been decreasing for a few years until 2021. Yet, the latest Secretary-General’s report shows that the number of civilian deaths in 2022 increased by more than 50% compared to in 2021, and nearly half of the civilian deaths were recorded in Ukraine. One civilian death is one too many, but it is distressing to learn that the toll would have actually decreased had it not been for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Japan is also concerned about the higher toll of deaths and causalities recorded in Somalia as well as the expected increase in civilian casualties in Sudan.
Madam President,
In armed conflicts, attacks on civilians and their wellbeing are not the only issue. The dignity of human beings must be respected, and the scarcity of food, water, and hindered access to healthcare services must be fully addressed too.
Food insecurity and the armed conflicts are closely linked and often give rise to human security concerns. The recent Global Report on Food Crises points out that nearly one third of countries in acute food insecurity have been driven into the calamity by conflicts. Furthermore, food insecurity in conflicts has often resulted in child malnutrition, which could be life-threatening and seriously stymie future development even if the children survive. Security Council Resolutions 2417 and 2573 comprehensively address these issues, and Japan calls on all parties concerned to comply with those instruments.
Japan has been providing assistance through humanitarian agencies to address this human security challenge, including in Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. Recently, we have contributed 8 million US Dollars to the WFP for their emergency food assistance in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has the highest number of people in high acute food insecurity, IPC/CH Phase 3, or above in the world.
We also note negative ramifications of the war against Ukraine, which have aggravated global food insecurity. Japan would therefore like to welcome the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in this respect, commend the mediation efforts by the UN and the Government of Turkiye and looks forward to steady implementation of the Initiative.
Madam President,
Ensuring human security means safeguarding the dignity of people which will lead to development and sustainable peace. With this in mind, the Government of Japan is committed to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus.
One example of our efforts in this regard is support for school meal programmes through UNICEF and the WFP. Continuing school meal programmes in conflict-affected settings fights food insecurity and helps children to attend school, where children acquire necessary skills for their own future and develop their abilities to contribute to development and building peace in their own countries.
To conclude, let me reiterate Japan’s unwavering commitment to protect civilians and their dignity, including through securing food and services indispensable to their survival.
I thank you.
Japan is deeply concerned by the frequent violations of International Humanitarian Law, notwithstanding the repeated resolve of the Council on the protection of civilians. Innocent civilians, especially vulnerable populations, including women, children, those with disabilities, refugees and the internally displaced, should not suffer.
The death of even one civilian in conflict is intolerable. The number of civilian deaths had been decreasing for a few years until 2021. Yet, the latest Secretary-General’s report shows that the number of civilian deaths in 2022 increased by more than 50% compared to in 2021, and nearly half of the civilian deaths were recorded in Ukraine. One civilian death is one too many, but it is distressing to learn that the toll would have actually decreased had it not been for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Japan is also concerned about the higher toll of deaths and causalities recorded in Somalia as well as the expected increase in civilian casualties in Sudan.
Madam President,
In armed conflicts, attacks on civilians and their wellbeing are not the only issue. The dignity of human beings must be respected, and the scarcity of food, water, and hindered access to healthcare services must be fully addressed too.
Food insecurity and the armed conflicts are closely linked and often give rise to human security concerns. The recent Global Report on Food Crises points out that nearly one third of countries in acute food insecurity have been driven into the calamity by conflicts. Furthermore, food insecurity in conflicts has often resulted in child malnutrition, which could be life-threatening and seriously stymie future development even if the children survive. Security Council Resolutions 2417 and 2573 comprehensively address these issues, and Japan calls on all parties concerned to comply with those instruments.
Japan has been providing assistance through humanitarian agencies to address this human security challenge, including in Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. Recently, we have contributed 8 million US Dollars to the WFP for their emergency food assistance in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has the highest number of people in high acute food insecurity, IPC/CH Phase 3, or above in the world.
We also note negative ramifications of the war against Ukraine, which have aggravated global food insecurity. Japan would therefore like to welcome the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in this respect, commend the mediation efforts by the UN and the Government of Turkiye and looks forward to steady implementation of the Initiative.
Madam President,
Ensuring human security means safeguarding the dignity of people which will lead to development and sustainable peace. With this in mind, the Government of Japan is committed to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus.
One example of our efforts in this regard is support for school meal programmes through UNICEF and the WFP. Continuing school meal programmes in conflict-affected settings fights food insecurity and helps children to attend school, where children acquire necessary skills for their own future and develop their abilities to contribute to development and building peace in their own countries.
To conclude, let me reiterate Japan’s unwavering commitment to protect civilians and their dignity, including through securing food and services indispensable to their survival.
I thank you.