Statement by H. E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the United Nations Security Council Open Debate
On “Trafficking in Persons in Conflict Situations”
20 December 2016

 

 

Mr. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy,

 

          Thank you for convening this important meeting and presiding over it yourself. My thanks also go to our briefers, who have spoken clearly on concrete crimes and with striking power and courage to reveal these attacks against human dignity, taking place even now on the ground.

 

          Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 2331, which is the very first resolution of this Council addressing trafficking in persons in conflict. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the strong leadership of Spain in guiding us to this goal.

 

          Japan welcomes the resolution making clear that trafficking in persons is connected to sexual violence, terrorism and other international organized criminal activities, and that it also exemplifies how trafficking in persons in armed conflict and sexual violence can be and is used as a tactic by certain terrorist groups.

 

          Trafficking in persons in conflict situations is a violation of human dignity and human rights. But it does not stop there. It is being used more and more systematically, sometimes accompanied by sexual violence, by terrorist groups and non-states actors as a tool for fundraising, recruitment and destruction of communities. In these cases, it poses serious threats to international peace and security. The international community is responsible for removing this threat by holding accountable those who engage in such activities.

 

Mr. President,

 

          The briefings this Council heard today, especially from Ms. Nadia Murad Basee Taha convince us of the urgent need to take action to combat this problem.

 

          In order to accurately recognize and to address the situation effectively, the Security Council needs to have relevant information. This resolution promotes information sharing in the Council, by requesting the Secretary-General to report on trafficking in persons in armed conflict and by welcoming briefings to be submitted to the Council by the UNODC and other relevant actors.

 

          Furthermore, the resolution expresses intention of the Council to integrate this issue into the work of relevant sanction committees in accordance with their mandates, to invite the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and on Children and Armed Conflict to brief these committees. I am confident that such steps will enable us to move forward effectively.

 

          Japan acknowledges that the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol on Trafficking in Persons are essential as an international framework to combat trafficking in persons. It is necessary to ensure that the spirits therein are reflected into national laws of Member States and effectively implemented.

 

          In this regard, Japan attaches great importance to the assistance provided by the relevant entities such as the UNODC and the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence, including on legislation and law enforcement. We expect that they make further progress and strongly support their critical work.

 

          In concluding, I would like to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to contribute to the efforts of all to combat the trafficking in persons in conflict.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.