Statement by Mr. Hajime Kishimori
Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations

 

Agenda item 134: Program Budget 2016-2017:

Subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)

 

Main Part of the Seventieth Session

Of the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly

25 November 2015

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          At the outset, my delegation would like to thank you for your time and efforts in chairing this meeting, as well as Ms. Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas, Assistant Secretary-General and Controller, and Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), for introducing their respective reports on this agenda item. Today I wish to share my delegation’s views on the relevant reports on the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

         My delegation believes the ECCC is of great importance to the Cambodian people in order for them to come to terms with their country’s tragic history, to bring perpetrators to justice, and to enhance the rule of law. As the ECCC applies final touches to the peace process in Cambodia, to which Japan has long been actively supporting, my delegation welcomes the progress achieved, including in particular, the judicial proceeding in Case 002, which shows it is moving forward step-by-step in serving justice in Cambodia.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          My delegation recognizes that the ECCC faces serious financial difficulties, and understands that this critical situation needs to be dealt with in order for the ECCC to continue carrying out its judicial activities. In this context, we are concerned about the increasing reliance on the subventions from the regular budget of the United Nations, which may undermine the voluntary nature of the current funding arrangements and related fundraising efforts.

 

          On the other hand, we are pleased to acknowledge recent commitments made by the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning the coverage of the staff costs in the national component. Furthermore, Japan would like to encourage all Member States to provide voluntary contributions, and requests the Secretariat to continue its efforts to obtain further voluntary contributions.

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

        Before closing, let me assure you that Japan will actively and positively participate in the forthcoming discussions together with all the stakeholders under your distinguished guidance and the able stewardship of the Secretariat.

 

 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.