Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho

Permanent Representative of Japan

To the United Nations

At the Debate of the United Nations Security Council

On the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

10 March 2017

 

 

Mr. President,

 

I would like to thank SRSG Yamamoto as well as Dr. Sima Samar of Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission for their informative briefings today. They have given us a useful insight into the situation in Afghanistan today and how the international community might assist the Afghan people. We are working with the other members of the Council to prepare a new resolution extending UNAMA’s mandate, which we expect to adopt next week.

 

As the Secretary-General’s most recent report also makes clear, there is little good news coming from Afghanistan.  Civilian casualties are at a record high, an alarming trend that has continued since 2013.  Some 30,000 people have now died in the course of the conflict in Afghanistan. Nearly 1,000 children have been killed in 2016 alone.

 

This is an appalling waste of life and potential for Afghanistan’s future.  These numbers are particularly tragic because human resources and human development are the foundation for Afghanistan’s future, economic development and self-reliance. 

 

2017 will continue to present grave challenges for Afghanistan’s security. The Council has already issued four press statements condemning terrorist attacks.  While there are many initiatives and ongoing efforts for security in Afghanistan, what we need most are concrete results that counter the negative trends we see.

 

We should continue to insist on progress in Afghanistan’s anti-corruption and reform agenda, while also exploring mid-term and long-term engagement to strengthen the basis of socio-economic development.  Employment is key.

 

Japan’s approach in this regard is not as conspicuous as the various regional cooperation projects highlighted in Afghanistan-related documents.  We believe the emphasis should be on strengthening the resilience of society.  This includes supporting core industries like agriculture through market rehabilitation and access, and backing the government’s National Comprehensive Agriculture Development Priority Program.  This will contribute to increased employment.

 

Mr. President,

 

We must address imminent security threats.  We appreciate the outcome and steady implementation of the NATO Warsaw summit last year.  The Resolute Support Mission’s role is essential.  Regional cooperation also contributes to security, and we ask UNAMA to coordinate the various efforts for maximum impact.  Improved capacity and human resources in the security sector are especially important.

 

Afghanistan requires a combination of short-term efforts and mid-to-long-term engagement.  Japan would like to underline once again a results-based approach, moving beyond mere commitments.  Only actual implementation and outcomes will bring hope to the Afghan people: fewer casualties, higher employment, more training, and more land for better agricultural production. 

 

As the lead country in the Council on this file, Japan will strive to provide increased opportunities to better understand the actual situation on the ground and how the Council can better support concrete improvements in security and economic and social development. We hope this will link to reinvigorated discussion in New York, and a better future for Afghanistan. 

 

Thank you, Mr. President.