Statement by H.E. Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
Briefing by the ICC Prosecutor to the UN Security Council on Darfur
Security Council Chamber
9 June 2016
Let me begin by thanking Prosecutor Bensouda for her briefing and presentation of her 23rd report on Darfur. We are convinced of the importance of the fight against impunity and the rule of law. That is why Japan has consistently supported the activities of the International Criminal Court(ICC). I would like to assure the Prosecutor of Japan’s full support for the work of the office of the Prosecutor.
Mr. President,
In 2005, Japan as a member of the Council at that time, supported resolution 1593 referring the situation in Darfur to the ICC. In light of the serious violations of human rights committed in Darfur, we believed that there was a role for the ICC to bring those perpetrators to justice. Japan respects the independence and the decisions of the ICC concerning arrest warrants emanating from resolution 1593. Despite the efforts made by the ICC, it is regrettable that justice has not been done to the victims in Darfur. We note that the Trial Chamber, in its decision on the Banda case, found that Sudan had failed to cooperate with the Court. We stress that resolution 1593 decided that the Government of Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur shall cooperate fully with the ICC and the Prosecutor. We urge full implementation of this resolution to achieve justice in Darfur. It is appropriate for the Council to follow-up on this matter, particularly the decision on the Banda case as communicated to the Council on 11 December 2015 (S/2015/955).
Mr. President,
To make Darfur stable, there is no choice but to move the political process forward. Japan welcomes the signing by the Government of Sudan of the Roadmap in Addis Ababa on 20 March, which addresses the most important issues; the ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid and a truly inclusive National Dialogue. We call upon other parties to sign this roadmap. In this regard, we appreciate the continued efforts exerted by the State of Qatar, especially holding of the recent Doha meeting with armed groups and UNAMID at the end of last month.
We are concerned about the access restriction currently in place in Central Darfur and call upon all parties to grant access to the conflict areas so that humanitarian actors can quickly address the humanitarian situation. We are also concerned about UNAMID’s decreased ability to function, especially with logistical issues, such as the problem of containers. In order to solve these issues, we look forward to further cooperation between the Government of Sudan and UNAMID in accordance with the relevant Council resolutions for the sake of the Sudanese people in need.
Mr. President,
Without cooperation by States, the ICC cannot execute its mandate. We urge all States, including non-States Parties, and concerned regional and other international organizations to cooperate fully with the ICC in accordance with resolution 1593 which binds all UN Member States.
I thank you, Mr. President.
