Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the Security Council
On the Humanitarian Situation in Syria
21 November 2016
Mr. President,
I would like to express my gratitude to Under-Secretary-General Mr. Stephen O’Brien for his comprehensive briefing. I also thank Ms. Elizabeth Hoff, WHO Representative in Syria, for accepting Japan’s proposal to make a briefing to the Security Council at short notice and through you thank the dedicated personnel of the WHO who have been working hard under such difficult environment.
Mr. President,
The humanitarian situation in Syria is devastating. Over the course of the weekend, we have continued to hear news of terrible attacks and casualties in Aleppo and elsewhere. Frustration is building over the inability to address the humanitarian crisis, but we must not abandon our efforts. We appreciate that some members of the Security Council have taken the initiative to advance discussions on the humanitarian situation. We are also aware of efforts by the ISSG co-chairs and regional stakeholders after the Lausanne meeting in October. However, what we need now is actual improvements on the ground. We need an agreement either from the Security Council or the ISSG which will truly change the situation in Syria.
Mr. President,
Mr. O’Brien’s briefing presented us with a picture of the desperate situation in Syria. Even during the pause in aerial attacks by the Syrian government and Russia, the UN could not deliver any assistance to the people of eastern Aleppo. As Mr. O’Brien explained, even a single instance of humanitarian access faces countless obstacles on the ground. Today is not the first time we have heard this discouraging story, but the situation is so severe now that not a single convoy has achieved access to Aleppo.
I am occupied by one simple question: if these states that have influence on the ground, especially ISSG members exert the utmost influence on the parties on the ground, can we still overcome some of the impediments to humanitarian access? If not, what is to be done to ensure prior consent from parties on the ground? This is a question that needs to be answered.
Mr. President,
I am sure I speak for all colleagues when I say the Security Council was grateful to receive such an extensive briefing from Ms. Hoff, who is following the situation in Damascus closely. We highly commend WHO’s efforts in delivering life-saving treatments to the Syrian people and strengthening health services, including measures to counter children’s diseases. Today’s briefing described a truly devastating situation and absolutely made clear that Syria’s medical sector is in huge and immediate need of major rehabilitation.
We are shocked by the sheer number of medical facilities which have been attacked in 2016. Japan reiterates its position that the parties to armed conflict have the obligation to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and violators of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. The Permanent Representative of the United States mentioned specific names. If the lack of clarity on the attackers is making it difficult to take measures to effectively protect medical facilities, the Security Council should request a Secretariat investigation
Mr. President,
This monthly meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria must not simply be a venue for us to express our deep concerns about civilians and medical personnel facing devastating circumstances. We need to take action and achieve concrete results. There is no time to waste. I look forward to a constructive discussion in the informal consultations.
I thank you, Mr. President.
