Statement by H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Debate of the United Nations Security Council.
On the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
15 March 2016
Mr. President,
Let me first express my gratitude to the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Mr. Haysom, for his tireless efforts in Kabul and his comprehensive briefing today. I noted in particular the point he made that 2016 will be the year of “survival”.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to Ambassador Oyarzun of Spain and his colleagues for effectively guiding consultations on the resolution, which was unanimously adopted today.
I also thank the statement by Ambassador Saikal of Afghanistan.
Today we have 28 speakers. I am only the 9th speaker and it is already 11:30 AM. I will keep the 5 minutes limit.
Mr. President,
Since Japan joined Security Council in January, I have been underlining the importance of implementing the resolutions. Security Council resolutions are effective only when implemented.
I would like to discuss how United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is implementing its mandate.
Resolution 2274 describes UNAMA’s mandate. UNAMA is requested to: 1) provide political offices in Afghanistan; 2) work with and supports Afghan’s National Unity Government; 3) support the peace process; 4) monitor and promote human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; 5) promote good governance; and 6) encourage regional cooperation.
I appreciate UNAMA for its efforts in implementing its mandate under extremely difficult circumstances.
UNAMA for example plays a significant role in the progress of electoral reforms, supporting the Special Electoral Reform Commission. As described in the Secretary-General’s report on Afghanistan, we have observed progress in this area. Confusion in the 2014 Afghan Presidential Election occurred due to the lack of a robust electoral architecture. We are confident that UNAMA’s efforts will fully ensure an inclusive, transparent and credible election in the future.
Mr. President,
One of Japan’s priorities is the enhancement of Afghanistan’s capability to maintain security. Japan has fully implemented its commitments by providing assistance for capacity building and salaries of the Afghan National Police.
Despite strong support from Japan and other international donors, the situation in Afghanistan is far from stable. The number of civilian casualties in 2015 was a record high — more than 11,000 were either killed or injured.
Under this deteriorating security situation, Japan welcomes the establishment of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) which includes Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United States. This group focuses on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process and the resumption of direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, which will hopefully provide a significant improvement in security conditions in Afghanistan.
Mr. President,
My personal experience as Japan’s first Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan tells me that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for Afghanistan.
Quadrilateral Coordination Group’s efforts are highly appreciated, but the peace and reconciliation process is not the only answer to the many challenges the National Unity Government faces. The delay of direct talks should not be an excuse for the lack of progress in other key areas, such as anti-corruption, governance, the rule of law, and human rights.
Again, the key word is “implementation”.
Mr. President,
He Council meets every 3 months to discuss the situation of Afghanistan and adopt resolutions from time to time. But given the seriousness of challenges that Afghanistan faces, this seems like a “business as usual”.
Mr. President,
What can Security Council do more to support the efforts of UNAMA has been my question. In my view, Security Council can explore the possibility of conducting a Security Council mission to Afghanistan. Certainly, we have to examine various elements such as the timing of a mission and the security situation. But I believe that a Security Council mission will serve as a good opportunity to send a strong message of support to the stability and the development of Afghanistan which continues to face difficult challenges.
As the Afghan Government implements its commitments to reforms on the basis of mutual accountability and makes a crucial transition towards self-reliance, Japan, and I am sure that the Security Council and the international community, stand ready to offer their support.
I thank you, Mr. President.
