ガンビアに関する平和構築委員会（PBC)大使級会合における御巫大使ステートメント

I thank the Chair for convening this important meeting. I also thank Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Republic of The Gambia, as well as all briefers, for their valuable insights.
 
Japan commends the Government of The Gambia for its sustained commitment to peacebuilding and transitional justice. In particular, we welcome its effective use of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), as well as its recent partnership with the UN Country Team and the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) through the Peacebuilding Impact Hub, to which Japan is a contributor. The Spotlight exercise, with its participatory approach and engagement of diverse stakeholders, is a strong demonstration of The Gambia’s ownership and commitment to advancing transitional justice in an inclusive and evidence-based manner.
 
Chair,
 
I would like to highlight two points.
 
First, Japan looks forward to the development of The Gambia’s national strategy on transitional justice and peacebuilding. By consolidating lessons learned from ongoing processes, including the Spotlight research and PBF-supported projects, this strategy has the potential to serve as a valuable good practice for other countries undergoing peacebuilding endeavours. Japan also encourages the Gambia to continue to utilize the PBC to share its experience in the implementation on the national strategy and to galvanize sustained support and engagement from the international community, including as a follow-up to today’s meeting.
 
Second, Japan underscores the importance of applying the human security lens, placing people at the centre of transitional justice efforts. In this regard, we hope that the forthcoming national strategy will further prioritize women’s meaningful participation, not only in ensuring accountability but also in prevention efforts and in securing guarantees of non-recurrence. Strengthening women’s leadership, alongside the empowerment of youth, will be essential for sustaining peace and reinforcing democratic governance. Japan, on its part, is supporting efforts to strengthen the rule of law through the empowerment of women and youth in The Gambia, including through cooperation with UNDP.
 
Let me conclude by expressing Japan’s continued commitment to supporting The Gambia’s path toward sustaining peace.
 
I thank you.