Statement by H.E. Mr. Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on
“Protection of Critical Infrastructure Against Terrorist Attacks”
13 February 2017
Mr. President,
I would first like to express my sincere appreciation to you for taking up this timely and important topic. My appreciation also goes to Ms. Viotti and all other speakers for their insightful briefings.
Mr. President,
Over the past few months, we have adopted two Security Council resolutions on counter-terrorism: 2309 on aviation security and 2322 on international judicial cooperation.
We welcome the adoption today resolution 2341 on the protection of critical infrastructure. We thank Ukraine for taking the lead. Through these resolutions, the Security Council has shown unity in addressing terrorism through a multi-faceted approach. Our task now is to translate these resolutions into action.
Mr. President,
Once a terrorist attack occurs, it is already too late, especially given the devastating impact that the destruction of critical infrastructure could have on societies and individuals. We must collectively strengthen our security with a focus on prevention.
Japan is giving particular priority to the protection of critical infrastructure. We owe it to our citizens and visitors alike, as the host to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 and the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Learning from international best practices, Japan has enhanced its infrastructure security, including for public transportation, large event facilities, international seaports, nuclear plants, and embassies.
Protection of nuclear plants from terrorist attacks is particularly important due to the possibility of a particularly devastating effect. For nuclear plants in Japan, Anti-Firearm Squads are deployed by the police around the clock, and Special Assault Teams can be dispatched in emergencies.
Information is key. Japan is exchanging information with foreign counterparts, and police are conducting joint exercises with the Self-Defense Forces while also working closely with nuclear plant operators through on-site visits and guidance on self-vigilance.
Responding to recent technological developments is critical. As there is an increase in incidents involving the malicious use of ICTs, Japan has been enhancing its cybersecurity in cooperation with the private sector and foreign counterparts. Last April, we enacted a law prohibiting unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, from flying over critical facilities, embassies, and nuclear plants to prevent possible attacks.
Our experiences attest to the importance of multiple streams of efforts, including international and public-private cooperation, accelerating information exchange, sharing good practices, developing advanced technologies, and supporting capacity-building for those in need. We believe the resolution just adopted provides a useful framework for all other members to undertake their own proactive efforts.
As part of this effort, two weeks ago, the Government of Japan decided on a new assistance package for international cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism. This will be used to facilitate the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions through concrete projects, such as a project on cyber-attacks on IT systems of financial critical infrastructure.
We also support the initiative by Secretary-General Guterres to ensure coordination and coherence in UN counter-terrorism efforts, under the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review process.
To conclude, I would like to emphasize Japan’s constant preparedness to promptly address terrorism in all its aspects. Japan will continue to be an active partner in this important endeavor with the entire international community.
I thank you, Mr. President.
(end)
