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Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yasuhisa Kawamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Briefing on Subsidiary Bodies

11 May 2017

 

 

Mr. President,

 

 

          I would like to begin by thanking the Chairs of the three Committees—the Permanent Representatives of Kazakhstan, Egypt and Bolivia—for sharing the activities of their Committees with us, as　well as for their excellent work as chairs.

 

Mr. President,

 

 

          Today, we are facing terrorist attacks all over the world. Numerous foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) in Iraq and Syria are returning to their countries of origin or relocating to other regions, including Southeast Asia. Their tactics are evolving, including through the use of “broken travel” techniques with forged passports.

 

          As the Chairs have indicated, we must counter these developments by fully implementing all recent counter-terrorism resolutions, including on aviation security, international judicial cooperation and protection of critical infrastructure. The adoption of these resolutions is important, but their implementation is equally vital.

 

          I would like to note one concrete action item. Resolution 2178 and the subsequent Presidential Statement 2014/23 respectively encourage Member States to utilize Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems. API contains passport and flight information, while PNR contains passengers’ booking information, including itineraries, names of traveling companions and payment methods. This information helps the authorities analyze and detect possible FTFs before they arrive at airports. However, to my knowledge, only 56 of 193 Member States have introduced the API system, and only 15 use the PNR system. I urge all Member States to employ these systems as soon as possible.

 

Mr. President,

 

 

          The use of API and PNR is just one example of implementation measures for resolution 2178. Many others are also required to stem the flow of FTFs with forged passports, such as using biometric tools and INTERPOL’s Stolen & Lost Travel Documents Database. We must enhance our own capabilities and also extend assistance to those in need in order to effectively implement these resolutions.

 

          Regarding resolution 2178, Japan provided 1.1 million USD this March to the Capacity-Building Implementation Plan to Stem the Flow of FTFs recommended by PRST/2015/11. However, this plan has acquired only 23 percent of the necessary funding thus far. I encourage Member States to contribute to this comprehensive FTF plan, which would focus not only on countering FTFs and FTF returnees, but on preventing violent extremism as well.

 

          Japan will continue to support and actively engage in the discussion on the UN counter-terrorism architecture to ensure that the new office of counter-terrorism can most effectively coordinate relevant bodies on counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism.

 

Mr. President,

 

 

          I would next like to turn to the work of the 1540 Committee.  North Korea continues to conduct ballistic missile launches and nuclear tests in blatant violation of Security Council resolutions.  Chemical weapons have been used in Syria, including by ISIL.  These striking examples demonstrate that the threats posed by the proliferation of WMDs are very real. 

 

          It is therefore the responsibility of every State to protect itself and its people by strengthening international and domestic non-proliferation measures.  Proliferation activities must be prevented whenever and wherever they are undertaken or attempted. Implementing measures related to Operative Paragraph 3 of resolution 1540, including the development of national control lists, is increasingly important.

 

          The 1540 Committee and its experts can assist States wishing to strengthen their domestic measures. 

          Japan thus attaches high importance to direct interaction between Member States and the Committee.  Joint visits to States by the Committee and Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) are particularly valuable in this regard.

 

          This year, Japan disbursed one million US dollars to the Trust Fund to support the work of the 1540 Committee. A significant portion will be used to finance these types of direct interaction. Japan urges interested States to contact the Committee. As the coordinator of Working Group 1 for monitoring and national implementation, my delegation would also be happy to relay any message to the Committee.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.