Statement by H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Briefing on
“United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Sexual exploitation and abuse”
10 March 2016
Mr. President,
My delegation would like to extend its appreciation to the Secretary-General for the briefing stressing the three points; ending impunity, protection of and support for victims, and ensuring accountability.
Mr. President,
It is regrettable that allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by peacekeepers persist. According to the Secretary-General’s report released last week, 69 allegations were reported in 2015. Bearing in mind that peacekeepers are deployed to protect people and that they are sometimes the last hope for the people suffering from conflicts, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by peacekeepers is absolutely unacceptable. It is also unacceptable that Sexual Exploitation and Abuse has significantly damaged the credibility of the U.N. Japan therefore strongly supports the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy and believes that effective measures must be taken until there are no Sexual Exploitation and Abuse cases.
Mr. President,
Japan supports the Secretary-General’s decisions to repatriate contingents where there is a demonstrated pattern of misconduct. The main aim of this measure is not to point the finger at the contingents, but to urge Troop- and Police-contributing countries to take actions. We need to realize that investigating the allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is the primary responsibility of the TCCs and PCCs and they have to take appropriate actions against the allegations and hold those personnel accountable for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. By doing so, TCCs and PCCs can demonstrate their commitment to zero-tolerance policy and preserve the honor of the vast majority of peacekeepers who are fulfilling their tasks seriously.
Mr. President,
Japan has supported and will support the Secretary-General’s efforts in tackling Sexual Exploitation and Abuse through concrete contributions.
One contribution is providing financial support for the online training of all categories of peacekeepers. Without sufficient training, no field personnel can maintain a high standard of conduct and discipline. With Japan’s support, peacekeepers will be trained under the U.N. E-learning programme on the prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse which is to be operational this May. We are convinced that this programme will be a steady step toward eradication of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Mr. President,
Another concrete contribution which is considered by Japan is in the area of support for victims. As SG reports have recommended, it is necessary to secure specialized assistance to the victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. In the 2nd PKO Summit held in September last year, Japan already expressed its commitment to providing support for a remedial action program for victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. We welcome the initiative of the U.N. to establish a trust fund to support victims, and stand ready to consider the proposal.
Mr. President,
Let me conclude by saying that, all of us, namely, the U.N. Secretariat, the Council, and all Member States, have to cooperate in tackling such a shameful misconducts by taking concrete measures for the sake of both the victims and peacekeepers. Japan will support the efforts by the Secretary-General. Also, Japan hopes that the resolution will be adopted as soon as possible.
I thank you, Mr. President.
