UNICEF執行理事会2022年第二回定例会合における山中大使ステートメント

At the outset, Japan would like to congratulate Madam Chan-Valverde on the assumption as a new President of the Executive Board. We look forward to closely working with the new President to support UNICEF, under the leadership of Executive Director Russell. We also appreciate Madam ED’s comprehensive opening statement.
 
First, I would like to highlight the importance of promoting cooperation in education, particularly in view of the upcoming Transforming Education Summit. UNICEF's support for education, especially in conflict-affected countries, is highly appreciated, and we must not forget that education needs to be maintained at all costs even during conflict and other dire situations. In this regard, Japan agreed with UNICEF in July to provide approximately 9 million US dollars to support quality education and promote access to education in Burkina Faso. Japan will continue to be grateful for UNICEF’s vital work in this field.
 
Second, we recognize the importance of health and nutrition in light of the situation in Ukraine and its neighboring countries. We also understand that assistance is needed in the Horn of Africa and other regions due to drought and food shortages. Furthermore, Japan has long supported efforts to eradicate polio including through contributions to UNICEF, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where wild poliovirus remains. In this connection, I would like to ask Madam Executive Director Russell which regions and what areas UNICEF anticipates will be in particular need of assistance in the near future.
 
Third, allow me to mention Japan’s support for UNICEF to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic mainly for developing countries. The Government of Japan has extended assistance to 77 countries and regions for cold chain equipment under “Last One Mile Support”, in order to ensure vaccination down to the last person. Today, looking beyond the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan is working to distribute up to 100 million US dollars mainly in Indo-Pacific regions, by developing new forms of assistance. One priority area is “vaccination data management” for which Japan has already decided to provide assistance to six Asian countries through UNICEF. We would be grateful if UNICEF could help us to raise awareness of this important issue by improving visibility of the projects.
 
To conclude my remarks, I would like to take this opportunity to touch upon the rights of the child in all United Nations activities. Japan welcomes UNICEF's work in collaboration with the SRSG-VAC (Violence against Children), and the SRSG-CAAC (Children and Armed Conflict) in developing the Secretary General's guidance note on Child Rights Mainstreaming. Japan trusts UNICEF to enhance its partnership with the Committee on the Rights of the Child to mainstream Child Rights.
 
I thank you, Madam President.