Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Briefing
By the Emergency Relief Coordinator
10 March 2016
Mr. President,
I thank the Russian Federation for calling a meeting on this very important issue. I would like to express my gratitude to Under-Secretary-General Mr. Stephen O’Brien for his briefing today. We must take his dire message very seriously. I join others in thanking the courage and dedication of all humanitarian workers in these countries.
Mr. President,
I would like to begin with Yemen. On 22 February, the Secretary-General announced that Yemen is one of four countries that faces a devastating level of food insecurity. Food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen were concerns even before the onset of the current crisis in the summer of 2014, and Japan has continued to prioritize funding to WFP and WHO.
Mr. O’Brien has described the seriousness and complexity of the circumstances on the ground. Ongoing fighting decreases the volume of commercial imports to Yemen, which already struggles with food production, thereby increasing the price of food. The fighting deepens the economic crisis, delays the payment of salaries, and makes it difficult for ordinary people to buy basic necessities. The fighting also prevents the UN and other humanitarian actors from delivering assistance.
Japan is deeply concerned by reports that Hodeidah will become the next battlefield after Mocha. Hodeidah is the backbone of Yemen’s economy. If Hodeidah and in particular its port are severely damaged, economic and food insecurity will worsen.
Mr. President,
It is deeply regrettable that fighting, shelling and airstrikes are continuing. The Security Council is united in calling for a political solution, repeatedly underscoring that there is no military solution. The parties must listen to the voices of the Yemeni people and the international community, and seek a ceasefire and sustainable peace.
Japan strongly supports the UN approach to the Yemen crisis, which begins with a credible cessation of hostilities monitored by the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC), and follows with face-to-face consultations by the parties with UN mediation. We see no serious alternatives. Japan believes there is no disagreement among Quint members and G18 members in this regard. We must also take very seriously the finding by the 2140 Committee’s Panel of Experts that terrorist groups are actively exploiting the changing political environment and governance vacuums to recruit new members and stage new attacks.
Mr. President,
Almost one year has passed since Mr. Ismail announced a nation-wide cessation of hostilities just before the launch of the Kuwait round of talks. We are frustrated by slow progress in the political process and the worsening fighting, but we must continue to support Mr. Ismail’s efforts. Mr. Ismail and the UN should be increasingly vocal and visible in drawing the attention of the international community to this issue. The Council should consider delivering a strong, unified message to the parties, supporting the UN’s mediation role and urging the parties to cease hostilities and allow unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access immediately.
Mr. President,
On South Sudan, in light of the cery concerning situation, Japan announced an approximately 22.4 million USD contribution in January to UN agencies for humanitarian and reconstruction projects. We are considering further assistance in response to worsening conditidions. Japan remains deeply concerned by the continued access restrictions for humanitarian actors. We urge President Kiir to honor his statement to the parliament on 21 February and his commitment to ensure unimpeded access. We need concrete action by the South Sudanese leadership.
Finally, Japan is concerned about the grave humanitarian situation in Somalia. We must not repeat the tragedy of 2011. If this situation is not addressed, progress in the Somali state-formation process could be jeopardized. Japan has therefore pledged more than 22 million USD in humanitarian and development assistance to Somalia, part of which will provide urgent nutritional assistance. We are seriously considering further actions in response to the calls by the Somali people as well as by the United Nations.
I thank you, Mr. President.
