Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yasuhisa Kawamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing on Sudan
4 April 2017

 

 

Madam President,

 

I thank Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo for his informative briefing and congratulate him on his appointment as Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of UNAMID.  Japan looks forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity.

 

Japan is encouraged that there has been no major fighting in Darfur during this reporting period.  To avoid any relapse and completely eliminate conflict, all parties must reach a permanent peace agreement based on the AUHIP Roadmap.  We continue to support President Mbeki and the JSR’s good offices in this regard.  We are also pleased by the Sudanese Government’s improved cooperation with UNAMID, and encourage further cooperation to enable the Mission to implement its mandate with full freedom of movement.

 

We understand that a new Government of National Reconciliation will soon be formed with participation by a wider range of parties. The new prime minister of Sudan stated that the new Government will make efforts to implement the outcome of the National Dialogue.  We strongly hope that the new Government will continue to play an active role in achieving more inclusive political participation.

 

Madam President,

 

Ongoing intercommunal violence should be addressed.  Many of the root causes of this violence lie in conflicts over resources such as water and land.  We must support efforts made by the national and local governments to address this issue, and we appreciate UNAMID’s dedicated mediation and facilitation efforts.  Japan, the AU and UNAMID recently completed a project to rehabilitate 100 natural water storage areas called Rihoods.  We believe projects like this can play an important role in addressing the root causes of these conflicts.

 

We welcome the report by the Secretary-General that the humanitarian situation has improved in most of Darfur, and that some progress has been observed in the return of IDPs.  However, we must also recall OCHA’s report that there are still 2.7 million IDPs in Darfur.  The problem is far from over.  Support for the safe and voluntary return of IDPs should be prioritized, with utmost respect for the wishes of IDPs. 

 

Japan believes that development assistance to consolidate peace in Darfur plays a major role in preventing relapse into conflict and supporting the return of IDPs.  We committed an additional 4.3 million dollars to UN agencies in January to this end.  It is particularly important that the people of Darfur experience peace dividends directly.

 

Madam President,

 

There is no doubt that the situation in Darfur has improved, and the Council has the responsibility to review UNAMID’s mandate accordingly.  Japan looks forward to concrete recommendations after the strategic review on UNAMID’s possible reconfiguration, as well as an assessment of progress on benchmarks.  The time is right for the Council to consider how UNAMID can most effectively undertake vital tasks like the protection of civilians, the safe and voluntary return of IDPs, the reduction of intercommunal violence, and the strengthening of institutions and police capacity, in close coordination with the UN Country Team.

 

I thank you, Madam President.