Statement by H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami

Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

At the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council

On “Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”

2 June 2016

 

 

Thank you very much, Mr. President, 

 

          At the outset, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President for convening this meeting. I would like to also extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, SRSG Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Rapporteur Maria Grazia Giammarinaro and Ms. Lisa Davis for the informative briefings.

 

          We appreciate the Secretary-General’s report, which is very strong and comprehensive. The most significant element of the report is that it brings to light new dimensions of sexual violence employed as a “tactic of terrorism” by extremist groups to advance their core objectives.

 

          We find it useful therefore, that the French presidency has decided to focus on the nexus between trafficking in persons and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, as trafficking in persons for sexual purposes is more and more systematically used by such groups as a tool for recruitment, fundraising and other strategic objectives.

 

          These atrocities not only defame humanitarian values, violate the international law and norms, but also pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Now is the time for the Security Council to reflect on how to counter them and what tools are at our disposal.

 

          In this regard, the Security Council debate of last December was a historic occasion, in that trafficking in persons was discussed for the first time among the Council members, and it was followed by Presidential Statement 2015/25. We commend the efforts of the United States to initiate this process, and fully support the statement. We hope the Council continues to deal with this agenda.

 

          Today, I would like to touch upon two points: (1) building up national and international normative frameworks and (2) addressing Non-State Actors.

 

Mr. President,

 

          On the first point, it is essential to support and strengthen national ownership, leadership and responsibility to counter Sexual Violence.

      

          In this regard, the reform of national military, police and judiciary sectors should be emphasized to enforce their capacities to prosecute and punish perpetrators. We strongly support the critical work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, which Japan continues to assist as its top donor. We value the tangible outcomes of their activities in the DRC and other countries.

      

          In the international arena, the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Trafficking in Persons protocol are the most important and universal normative frameworks. We must also not forget the role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

 

          Additionally, the International Criminal Court can serve as a tool to hold perpetrators accountable, while at the same time providing the victims with psychological and physical support through its Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), to which Japan makes both personnel and financial contribution. The universality of the ICC is necessary to put an end to impunity and to alleviate the suffering of victims.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Touching upon my second point, we face a cruel reality that out of 49 criminal parties named in the Secretary General’s report, the majority is comprised of Non-State Actors. We therefore cannot put off addressing the fundamental question of how to bring such parties to comply with international norms, including subsequent Security Council resolutions.

 

          On this point, we find a ray of hope in the work of SRSG Bangura, who has achieved a breakthrough in the strenuous negotiations with Non-State Actors in the DRC, South Sudan and other countries. This is an important step toward finally making progress against these challenges.

          In order to make an effective use of these tangible outcomes in the future, the Security Council should give its utmost support to the mandate of the Office of SRSG Bangura, including with the increased technical and financial assistance.

 

Mr. President,

 

          The era of silence should be replaced by international recognition and concrete actions to turn “resolutions into solutions” on the ground. Japan stands ready to actively work toward this cause together with the UN bodies and the other Member States.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.