文民保護に関する安保理公開討論における御巫大使ステートメント
令和8年5月20日
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. President,
As we mark the 10th anniversary of Resolution 2286 and the 5th anniversary of Resolution 2573, it is deeply concerning that civilian harm remains at alarmingly high levels, as highlighted by the briefers.
The latest Secretary-General’s report noted more than 37,000 civilian deaths in 2025, which is more than double the figure recorded in 2022. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need to reinforce respect for international law, including IHL, and to redouble our collective efforts to protect civilians.
Mr. President,
Japan is also deeply concerned by the report’s finding of a record number of attacks on medical facilities in 2025, which resulted in 1,980 deaths, marking a sharp increase from 2024. As co‑penholder of Resolution 2286, Japan underscores the imperative to protect medical personnel and facilities.
The protection of humanitarian personnel is equally critical, and we commend Australia’s leadership in launching the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
Stronger collective action is needed to prevent civilian harm. Japan calls on all parties to comply with IHL and urges the international community to strengthen monitoring, reporting, and data collection to ensure accountability.
Mr. President,
The rapid advancement of AI, drones, and ICT expands the reach and speed of violence, while increasingly blurring the distinction between civilians and combatants. Their use must remain firmly anchored in IHL, including the principles of precaution and proportionality.
As a strong proponent for human security, Japan remains committed to safeguarding civilian lives and dignity, including through sustained support for UN Peacekeeping as the third-largest financial contributor. Furthermore, Japan has contributed more than 8 million USD toward mine action this year, supporting partners such as UNMAS in advancing demining efforts in Syria and Colombia.
Mr. President,
Japan stands ready to work closely with the United Nations and international partners to advance the protection of civilians worldwide. I thank you.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of Resolution 2286 and the 5th anniversary of Resolution 2573, it is deeply concerning that civilian harm remains at alarmingly high levels, as highlighted by the briefers.
The latest Secretary-General’s report noted more than 37,000 civilian deaths in 2025, which is more than double the figure recorded in 2022. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need to reinforce respect for international law, including IHL, and to redouble our collective efforts to protect civilians.
Mr. President,
Japan is also deeply concerned by the report’s finding of a record number of attacks on medical facilities in 2025, which resulted in 1,980 deaths, marking a sharp increase from 2024. As co‑penholder of Resolution 2286, Japan underscores the imperative to protect medical personnel and facilities.
The protection of humanitarian personnel is equally critical, and we commend Australia’s leadership in launching the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
Stronger collective action is needed to prevent civilian harm. Japan calls on all parties to comply with IHL and urges the international community to strengthen monitoring, reporting, and data collection to ensure accountability.
Mr. President,
The rapid advancement of AI, drones, and ICT expands the reach and speed of violence, while increasingly blurring the distinction between civilians and combatants. Their use must remain firmly anchored in IHL, including the principles of precaution and proportionality.
As a strong proponent for human security, Japan remains committed to safeguarding civilian lives and dignity, including through sustained support for UN Peacekeeping as the third-largest financial contributor. Furthermore, Japan has contributed more than 8 million USD toward mine action this year, supporting partners such as UNMAS in advancing demining efforts in Syria and Colombia.
Mr. President,
Japan stands ready to work closely with the United Nations and international partners to advance the protection of civilians worldwide. I thank you.