Statement by H. E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Signing Ceremony between Japan
And UNICEF for two projects in Yemen:
“Improvement of Maternal and Child Health and Nutritional Status” and

“Broadening Access to and Improving Quality of Education”
08 March 2017

 

 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

          Yemen currently faces a grave humanitarian crisis. In late February, UN Secretary-General António Guterres listed Yemen as one of several nations which are “facing devastating levels of food insecurity.”  

 

          Japan started its assistance program to Yemen prior to the outbreak of the current crisis and has since recognized the need to strengthen Yemen’s social and economic resilience. Recent developments have underscored this assessment.

 

          Japan’s assistance to Yemen ranges from emergency response, including the WFP’s food aid programs, to medium- and long-term projects to strengthen the nation’s stability. Today, Japan expresses its support for UNICEF’s programs in Yemen, specifically its projects in the areas of education and health. We have therefore pledged to provide US$7 million in assistance for each of these areas through UNICEF.

 

          We view these programs as part of the larger effort to rebuild and redevelop Yemen. In particular, these programs intend to aid Yemen’s younger generation, who will shape the future of the country. While the situation in Yemen today remains volatile, we wish to contribute to the establishment of an education infrastructure and the improvement of health conditions so that the people of Yemen can hold on to their hope for a better future in the years to come.

 

          This assistance program, administered through UNICEF, will be delivered in conjunction with Yemen’s legitimate government. Japan would like to emphasize that the first priority of our assistance program is the wellbeing of the Yemeni people.

 

 

          It is our sincere hope that the numerous calls for peace and stability from both the civilian population of Yemen and the international community will be answered so that the greatest possible benefits of these assistance programs can be fully realized.

 

Thank you.