Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing on Afghanistan (UNAMA)
21 June 2017
Thank you, Mr. President.
I also thank Special Representative Tadamichi Yamamoto for his informative briefing. I also listened carefully to my colleague Ambassador Mahmood Saikal as he explained of his views on the situation on his country.
I would like to begin by expressing Japan’s deep condolences for the victims and families of the 31 May terrorist attack in Kabul, as well as all violence since our last debate in March. These brutal attacks have deprived countless Afghans of their future. They also crystalize our concerns about the deteriorating security situation noted by the latest report of the Secretary-General. We are alarmed by the fact that it was not possible to prevent these appalling crimes conducted in the heart of the capital city.
In order to improve the security situation, the international community has continued to provide political support to the Government of Afghanistan, and financial support and training to the Afghan security sector. Unfortunately, we see little fundamental change in the security situation in Afghanistan.
More fundamentally, the seeming erosion of unity in the National Unity Government is profoundly concerning. The flare-up of political and ethnic tensions within the Government must be absolutely avoided given the enormity of the challenges Afghanistan faces. There needs to be more effective measures to engage with ethnic communities which are under-represented in the Government. The Government must return to its 2014 commitments, which underscored the necessity of equitable representation, with attention to inclusivity and the unique political and societal composition of Afghanistan.
Also among these unmet commitments are the long-overdue parliamentary elections, which should have been held in 2015. We are aware that elections have the potential to worsen existing tensions and create new ones, leading to further fragmentation, as noted in the Secretary-General’s report. Continued delays, however, are also problematic, and we urge the Afghan Government to demonstrate its commitment by announcing the timeline for parliamentary and district council elections. I was pleased to hear in SRSG’s report that there is to be an announcement soon. The Afghan Government can make good use of the UN’s extensive experience in electoral support to ensure that the voices of Afghan voters are heard through the parliamentary and district council elections, as well as the 2019 presidential election.
The devastating terrorist attack on 31 May was a tragic wake-up call for Afghanistan and the international community to recognize the urgency of revitalizing the peace process. The “Kabul Process” meeting on 6 June was a good opportunity for Afghanistan to show its strong commitment to advance the peace process, with the support of international and regional partners. Japan emphasizes that the Government must not only express willingness, it must also deliver concrete results to the Afghan people. Support from regional and international stakeholders is also crucial. We therefore welcome the talks in Astana on 10 June between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where they agreed to reinvigorate the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG).
Japan is pleased to note positive efforts in the area of displacement. We have seen improved protection of civilians as well as coordination among Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and UNHCR. In a recent informal meeting with Council members, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees noted improved Government efforts to absorb and integrate the dramatically increased number of returning refugees from neighboring countries. We welcome the Secretary-General’s visit to the IDP camp in Kabul on 14 June, which sent a very encouraging signal to some of the country’s most desperate people. This visit underlines the necessity of international and UN support for the Afghan people’s aspirations for peace and stability.
In these challenging circumstances, the implementation of resolution 2344, which mandated UNAMA to support the people and Government of Afghanistan in achieving peace and stability, is essential. We also await the results next month of the strategic review authorized by this resolution. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s fresh inputs into the review following his visit to Kabul. Japan believes that the review must be an objective and impartial guideline for Council members in considering next steps. Once we have received the review, Japan, as the lead country on this file, will work with other Council members and stakeholders participating in today’s debate to determine UNAMA’s role in overcoming the difficult realities we currently face.
I thank you, Mr. President.
