Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yasuhisa Kawamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Briefing of the United Nations Security Council
On Cooperation Between the United Nations and the African Union
15 June 2017

 

 

Mr. President,

 

Thank you for convening this debate on cooperation between the UN and the AU on peace and security, which is particularly timely after the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2320 last November. I also thank Ms. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General, Mr. Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, and Mr. Donald Kaberuka, AU High Representative for the Peace Fund, for their briefings.

 

Japan takes note of the reports from both the Secretary-General and the AU.  They provide a useful basis for exploring our expanded partnership, as well as the particular tools that AU peace support operations (PSOs) offer for the maintenance of peace and security.

 

A major point that emerges from both reports is the AU’s comparative advantage in deploying as a first responder and in challenging environments.  Further discussion is needed both at the Council and within the AU on the most effective role for PSOs, particularly on the division of labor.  Green and Blue Helmets have different roles, and it may not be efficient to focus on enabling PSOs to replicate multidimensional UN tasks.

 

The Secretary-General’s report outlines a new model of joint financing of a jointly-developed budget, as well as a joint assessment and planning process.  We also see similar proposals in the AU report.  We believe that greater clarity is needed on these models from the AU, with support from the UN Secretariat as necessary, particularly as regards joint budgeting and accountability.  We underline the Chef de Cabinet’s point on the crucial role of the General Assembly on financial matters.

 

We should avoid PSO discussions becoming overly centered on their financial aspects. Financing alone cannot solve challenges facing PSOs, given the limited personnel to carry out tasks, including at the AU Peace and Security Department.

In order to deepen our understanding on the current situation, we would like to hear more about ongoing efforts and political commitment on the implementation of the Kigali Decision regarding the AU Peace Fund during the Informal Interactive Dialogue after this meeting.

Japan believes that the UN-AU partnership is about empowering African states and their people to play an active role in their own security.  Japan, both as a Council member and as a major contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget, is very pleased to join discussions on continued collaboration that employs the comparative advantages of both organizations.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.