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Statement by H.E. Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Informal Meeting of the Plenary of the General Assembly
To Address Concerns of a Rise in Anti-Semitic Violence Worldwide
22 January 2015
Mr. President,
I would like to thank you for your initiative in convening this significant meeting on concerns of a rise in anti-Semitic violence worldwide.
Mr. President,
At the outset, I cannot help but start by speaking of the terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris two weeks ago. The Japanese people are in solidarity with the 3.7 million people who marched across France on 11 January. Japan stands with France at this difficult time. We cannot allow such despicable terrorist attacks or violence of any kind on freedom of speech and the press for any reason. We resolutely condemn such acts.
Japan is also directly targeted by a terrorist group. Two days ago, a video clip uploaded online warned Japanese nationals of an execution. This is the threat from a terrorist group that proclaims it is a part of the “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIL). Such an act of blackmail by holding innocent lives hostage is utterly impermissible, and we feel strong indignation against this act.
Japan will not give in to terrorism and such violence. We will continue to join the international community in the fight against terrorism. We ask the United Nations and its Member States to stand by us.
Mr. President,
We are now at a significant milestone in the year 2015. This year is in particular important, because the world marks the 70th year since the end of World War II and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
During these 70 years, the international community has struggled to achieve peace and prosperity all over the world, by fighting against all types of injustice. We have come together to overcome disputes between people of different religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. Hatred should be rejected outright, because it has been a major cause of conflict among societies. On the contrary, what we should appeal to is the spirit of tolerance. Nations have all tried to do so during these 70 years, mostly through the strong leadership of the United Nations. Japan is proud to have contributed jointly with other countries to the peace and prosperity of the modern world.
However, we must always be aware that our efforts might, at any time, be compromised by the recurrence of hatred. Anti-Semitic violence is a most horrible case of this. It has caused bloodshed and suffering amongst innocent people. We should continue our efforts to fight against hatred and work together in the spirit of tolerance.
One way to invite people to be more tolerant is to satisfy their economic needs. Therefore, I would like to present an example of Japan’s initiative to aim for economic development in an environment where peace is desired between different religions: “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity.” This project was launched in July 2006 and still continues today. It aims at creating a viable Palestinian economy by promoting economic development in the Jordan Valley. It is important to note that this project has been conducted through the strong cooperation of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. These communities with different religions and beliefs are working together hand in hand.
Mr. President,
We must further discuss proper steps to move forward deriving from our 70 years of experience. I would like to call on the international community to promote mutual understanding and overcome our differences in the spirit of tolerance. I believe these values must be reexamined and highlighted as cornerstones of a better future for our children and grandchildren.
I thank you, Mr. President.
