Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the Security Council on South Sudan
25 April 2017

 

 

Thank you, Madam President.

 

I would like first to welcome Mr. David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and thank him for providing a vivid picture of the situation on the ground.  Japan appreciates and supports your efforts to bring peace to the people of South Sudan in a very difficult situation and environment.  I would also like to thank Ambassador Gorgui Ciss for the updates and also thank Ambassador Fodé Seck for his very active chairmanship of the South Sudan Sanctions Committee.

 

Regrettably, we have been witnessing very concerning incidents in South Sudan.  These include the ongoing violence across the country, attacks on civilians, including those by the SPLA, continued access restrictions, and famine.  A staggering 3.5 million people, nearly a third of the population, have been displaced.  Many of them are women and children.  We are also appalled by the killing of humanitarian workers, with 14 deaths in 2017 alone.  These brave humanitarian workers sought only to help the South Sudanese people.  The South Sudanese Government must fulfill its primary responsibility to protect civilians.  

 

On 23 March, the Security Council was united in adopting a Presidential Statement calling for five steps to be taken, including a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the removal of obstacles to UNMISS operations.  It is very disappointing that there has not been concrete action so far.  Despite having personally participated in the 25 March IGAD summit, President Kiir has not yet announced a unilateral ceasefire as agreed upon in its communiqué.  Japan urges all parties, including the Government, to respond immediately and fully to the Security Council Presidential Statement. 

 

In this connection, we take note of the South Sudanese Government’s recognition that an inclusive national dialogue is necessary to improve the security situation of the country.  Japan reiterates the importance of a genuinely inclusive national dialogue and is ready to support the efforts of the Government to this end.

 

Regional engagement is increasingly important in sending a clear message to South Sudan.  In addition to bilateral efforts, last month saw many things happen: visits by the AU High Representative and the AU Commission Chairperson to South Sudan, the AU Peace and Security Council communiqué, the IGAD summit meeting, and President Mogae’s meeting with Riek Machar.  We welcome these efforts and encourage the region to strengthen them.  We also appreciate and support the neighboring countries that are hosting nearly 1.7 million South Sudanese refugees. 

 

Japan welcomes the follow-up report of the special investigation on the Juba violence last July.  We are encouraged that UNMISS has enhanced its capabilities to protect civilians, including through more robust patrols, and that it has bolstered contingency planning and staff safety, as we heard from SRSG Shearer today.  This is good progress, but it is not enough.  It must be accompanied by meaningful efforts by the Government of South Sudan.  Japan reiterates its call for the Government’s full cooperation with UNMISS on the implementation of its mandate, including on the early deployment of the Regional Protection Force.

 

To conclude, Madam President, the Council remains united in backing commitments of the AU, IGAD and the Secretary-General to collectively support the peace process.  We believe the Secretary-General’s continued involvement is particularly important to build on the 29 January Joint Press Statement.  Japan remains firm in its commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan.

 

I thank you, Madam President.