Statement by H.E. Mr. Yasuhisa Kawamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Briefing
On a Comprehensive Approach to Mine Action
And Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation
13 June 2017
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all the innocent civilians who have been killed or maimed by explosive hazards. I would also like to applaud all those working toward demining, including today’s briefers, for their courage and professionalism.
Twenty years ago, in 1997, the momentous Ottawa Treaty was opened for signature. Since then, we have seen significant advancements including the steady destruction of stockpiles and progressive decreases of minefields in most of the affected countries.
However, as we face global crises such as expanded violent extremism and terrorism, the threat of explosive hazards is far from declining. According to Landmine Monitor, the number of landmine victims jumped from 3,700 in 2014 to 6,500 in 2015, and the United Nations is calling for a 50% increase in funding for mine action from 347 million USD in 2016 to 511 million USD in 2017.
The needs are greatest in active conflict zones, such as those in the Middle East, and it must be our shared concern. The fundamental challenge here is how to implement concrete actions in conflict situations.
Mr. President,
Humanitarian actions cannot be undertaken without mine action. Nor can displaced people return to their homes. Mine action is, therefore, a prerequisite for peace and security.
In parallel with the peacekeeping operation of the United Nations, strengthening the national capacities of affected countries should be our primary target. In addition to demining, providing victim assistance and risk reduction education to affected communities is critical in making peace and stability sustainable.
Based on these ideas, Japan keeps on contributing to the Voluntary Trust Fund of UNMAS. We believe that it improves the humanitarian situation around the world, especially in the Middle East region, including Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and enhance resilience of the local communities.
Mr. President,
Japan has long been placing assistance to mine action as one of its priorities, and we are proud to be the second largest contributing country, with total cumulative contributions from 2011 to 2015 amounting to 263 million USD.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to share several lessons learned from our own experiences, which might be useful in terms of mine action.
First, we recognize that triangular cooperation deserves to be promoted. Assistance to Cambodia has been our longest commitment in this field. Based on the knowledge and experience yielded from this cooperation, Japan and Cambodia are now expanding triangular technical cooperation with Colombia, Angola and Laos through the Cambodian Mine Action Center.
Second, a wide range of partnerships is of great importance. Japanese private companies and civil society organizations are involved in collective efforts. For example, a high-tech clearance machine, produced by a Japanese company, is capable of crushing cluster sub-munitions by its special bucket, and this company lends machines to a NGO for their activities in Laos.
Third, gender mainstreaming should be highlighted. There is no question that women’s participation enhances the quality of these activities. This is particularly true when it comes to approaches to women, children, and victim assistance strategies. Ms. Natalie Ochoa Nina’s accomplishments are a perfect testimony of it.
Mr. President,
In 2014, we set a political goal to realize a “landmine free world by 2025” under the framework of the Ottawa Treaty.
To achieve this goal, the international community still has a lot to do. Japan will continue to play an active role on mine action in collaboration with the United Nations, the Member States, private companies and civil society organizations.
I thank you, Mr. President.
