UNRWAに関する安保理ブリーフィングにおける上村政府代表（中東和平担当特使）ステートメント
令和6年4月17日
(As delivered)
Thank you.
I would like to pay tribute to the initiative of Jordan in proposing this meeting. I also thank Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of UNRWA, for his briefing.
Mr. President,
More than 6 months have passed since the terror attacks by Hamas and others and the subsequent outbreak of fighting in Gaza. The humanitarian situation on the ground is literally a serious crisis. According to reports from international organizations, about half of Gaza's population, or about 1.1 million people, are expected to enter the most severe stage of famine. They are suffering from shortages of even minimum essential goods for human life, such as safe water, food, shelter, medicine, and necessities for women and children in poor sanitary conditions.
“Human dignity,” to which Japan attaches great importance, is under threat. There is a growing risk of destabilization in neighboring countries that host Palestine refugees. In response, the Security Council, under Japan’s presidency, adopted the resolution 2728 on March 25.
Mr. President,
Needless to say, UNRWA has been playing an extremely important role in providing humanitarian assistance to Gazans facing such a devastating humanitarian crisis, and has made many sacrifices.
Regarding allegations that UNRWA staff members were involved in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year, Japan appreciates the progress being made to strengthen UNRWA's governance under the leadership of Secretary-General Guterres. Japan highly welcomes the interim report which has been submitted to the Secretary-General by the Independent Review Group led by Madam Colonna and the Action Plan which has been formulated by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. Japan lifted its suspension of funding to UNRWA on April 2 and has already completed a disbursement of approximately $35 million.
In the Gaza Strip, we will provide assistance to women and children to improve sanitary conditions. We will also provide such support as medical services for Palestine refugees in the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Mr. President,
The Independent Review Group is currently working toward developing its final report and recommendations to be presented on April 20. In consideration of the final report, Japan will continue to support UNRWA's reform efforts in cooperation with other donors. As a part of our support, Japan will contribute to the development and implementation of training to strengthen the neutrality of front-line management staff, which is one of the action items of UNRWA.
Mr. President,
Since October 7 last year, Japan has launched a series of humanitarian assistance contributions to the Palestinian people, the scale of which exceeds $100 million. Japan is calling for the release of hostages and compliance with international humanitarian law and making a series of diplomatic efforts, taking into account what can be a realistic approach to improve the humanitarian situation, including a ceasefire.
I thank you very much.
I would like to pay tribute to the initiative of Jordan in proposing this meeting. I also thank Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of UNRWA, for his briefing.
Mr. President,
More than 6 months have passed since the terror attacks by Hamas and others and the subsequent outbreak of fighting in Gaza. The humanitarian situation on the ground is literally a serious crisis. According to reports from international organizations, about half of Gaza's population, or about 1.1 million people, are expected to enter the most severe stage of famine. They are suffering from shortages of even minimum essential goods for human life, such as safe water, food, shelter, medicine, and necessities for women and children in poor sanitary conditions.
“Human dignity,” to which Japan attaches great importance, is under threat. There is a growing risk of destabilization in neighboring countries that host Palestine refugees. In response, the Security Council, under Japan’s presidency, adopted the resolution 2728 on March 25.
Mr. President,
Needless to say, UNRWA has been playing an extremely important role in providing humanitarian assistance to Gazans facing such a devastating humanitarian crisis, and has made many sacrifices.
Regarding allegations that UNRWA staff members were involved in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year, Japan appreciates the progress being made to strengthen UNRWA's governance under the leadership of Secretary-General Guterres. Japan highly welcomes the interim report which has been submitted to the Secretary-General by the Independent Review Group led by Madam Colonna and the Action Plan which has been formulated by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. Japan lifted its suspension of funding to UNRWA on April 2 and has already completed a disbursement of approximately $35 million.
In the Gaza Strip, we will provide assistance to women and children to improve sanitary conditions. We will also provide such support as medical services for Palestine refugees in the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Mr. President,
The Independent Review Group is currently working toward developing its final report and recommendations to be presented on April 20. In consideration of the final report, Japan will continue to support UNRWA's reform efforts in cooperation with other donors. As a part of our support, Japan will contribute to the development and implementation of training to strengthen the neutrality of front-line management staff, which is one of the action items of UNRWA.
Mr. President,
Since October 7 last year, Japan has launched a series of humanitarian assistance contributions to the Palestinian people, the scale of which exceeds $100 million. Japan is calling for the release of hostages and compliance with international humanitarian law and making a series of diplomatic efforts, taking into account what can be a realistic approach to improve the humanitarian situation, including a ceasefire.
I thank you very much.