Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the UN Security Council on South Sudan
23 March 2017
Mr. President,
I would like to thank you for organizing this timely briefing. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Secretary-General, the JMEC Chair, President Mogae, and Ms. Betty Sunday, for their very informative briefings.
Japan remains deeply concerned by the ongoing hostilities and the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, which has been exacerbated by famine. Many lives are at stake. Council members and international partners must continue to extend life-saving support to the innocent people of South Sudan. In addition to the 22.4 million dollars in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance announced in January, Japan decided last week to contribute additional 6 million dollars in response to the Secretary-General’s call for international support to address the famine.
For international assistance to be effective, it must reach those in need, and safe and unhindered access is essential. We are troubled by the many reports of humanitarian access restrictions, including on work permits, which only increase the suffering of innocent people. Worse still, aid providers continue to be targeted, including the tragic killing of IOM workers by unknown gunmen on 14th of March. Japan calls on President Kiir to honor his previous commitments and take immediate action on the ground, including through improved humanitarian access at the local level as well as cessation of hostilities. The primary responsibility to protect civilians rests with the Government of South Sudan. We urge concrete progress on this front.
Mr. President,
There is no alternative to the political process to achieve genuine peace. Japan reiterates its full support to the collective commitment and close coordination on South Sudan demonstrated by the AU, IGAD, and the Secretary-General in their joint statement in January. Japan welcomes the Secretary-General’s ongoing engagement at this critical time. We also appreciate the strong involvement of both President Konaré and President Mogae, and support their call for South Sudan to make the National Dialogue as inclusive, free and transparent as possible.
The Council should continue to be united in supporting their engagement and efforts. As part of the efforts to propel inclusivity and reconciliation, Japan is considering providing support for grassroots peace initiatives through UNDP.
The successful holding of a National Day of Prayer on 10th of March with a broad participation was a step in the right direction. The onus is on President Kiir and the Government. We strongly urge President Kiir to build on this spirit in pursuit of a genuine and inclusive national dialogue process. Other parties should also renounce violence and cooperate on this national endeavor.
Mr. President,
Japan takes note of some signs of progress on the deployment of the RPF, including reaffirmed commitments by regional countries to participate in the RPF and visits by TCCs’ reconnaissance teams and enablers to South Sudan. But there are still challenges to be resolved regarding the full deployment. We need further progress on land provision and airport coordination to ensure that the RPF functions effectively. We again call on the Government to fully cooperate with UNMISS, including on the RPF.
Notwithstanding our recent decision to end the activities of the Self Defense Force engineering unit, Japan remains unwavering in its commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan. Japan will support efforts towards an inclusive national dialogue and work with parties concerned for the smooth and effective operation of UNMISS, including the early deployment of the RPF. Japan will also continue to provide development cooperation and humanitarian assistance to those in need, thereby contributing to the nation-building of South Sudan.
I thank you, Mr. President.
