文民保護に関する安保理公開討論における志野大使ステートメント

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I thank Ms. Nderitu, Ms. Msuya, Ms. Spoljaric Egger, and Mr. Khadhraoui, for their alarming briefings. I would also like to thank Mozambique for convening this annual, yet timely, debate.
 
As we commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the Protection of Civilians agenda here at the Security Council, as well as the 75^th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, it is distressing that these significant milestones are not accompanied by an increase in the successful protection of innocent lives worldwide.

Mr. President,
 
The latest Secretary-General’s report shows a grim picture of civilians in armed conflict. It is alarming that the United Nations recorded over 33,000 civilians’ deaths in armed conflict in 2023, 72% increase compared with those in 2022. The current trend of the erosion of the principles of international humanitarian law is nothing but disheartening.
 
Despite these insecure environments, many UN and humanitarian workers and NGOs are striving to protect civilians. Japan pays the utmost tribute to them, and we emphasize that their safety must be ensured as well. Japan calls upon all States to respect and protect humanitarian personnel and United Nations and associated personnel, including those who are recruited locally.  In this regard, Japan appreciates Switzerland’s leadership in drafting the resolution on the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel. Japan believes it is critical to reaffirm the Council’s commitment to international humanitarian law.
 
Respect for IHL is an obligation for all parties to conflicts.  It has become increasingly challenging to ensure compliance and accountability under IHL and many civilians are injured, killed, starved, and forced to live without hope because of the disregard of the rule of law. There is also no excuse for States to ignore the principles of IHL, under any circumstance and in anywhere.
 
Mr. President,
 
We must recall that IHL was created in order to preserve the dignity of people, both combatants and civilians.     
 
As a strong advocate for human security as well as Women, Peace and Security, Japan is committed to ensuring the dignity of all persons including civilians especially women and girls in armed conflict.
 
An example of our support in this context is Japan’s assistance for mine action. As the Secretary-General’s report indicates, landmines, cluster munitions, and explosive remnants of war are posing grave danger to civilians, including innocent children.    
In 2023, Japan provided a total of approximately 67 million USD in mine assistance, distributed across 20 countries over the world through the ICRC, UNMAS and other international organizations and NGOs.
 
Furthermore, as a co-penholder of Resolution 2286, Japan emphasizes the importance of protecting medical personnel and facilities and ensuring their safe passage in conflict zones. It underscores the urgency of this issue that over 2,370 incidents of violence and interference involving medical workers and facilities all over the world were recorded last year. 
 
Mr. President,
 
In conclusion, Japan is committed to continue to work closely with the UN, international humanitarian organizations, and civil society organizations to contribute to the endeavor of protection of civilians.
 
I thank you.