Statement by H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami

Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

 

On Agenda item 130: “Global awareness of the tragedies of irregular migrants in the Mediterranean basin with specific emphasis on Syrian asylum seekers”

 

General Assembly Plenary Meeting

20 November 2015

 

Mr. President,

 

        Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for your leadership in convening today’s formal meeting.　　I would like to extend my appreciation to the Secretary General for his statement identifying the five priority areas.  I am also grateful to Mr. Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees, for his insightful statements.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

        Because of the protracted crisis in Syria, the international community, especially Europe, is facing the greatest humanitarian and refugee crisis since the Second World War.

 

        In order to tackle this issue, we have to address its root causes, as expressed by many speakers here today. First, it goes without saying that political solutions to these crises are crucial. Regrettably, the Security Council, the international body most responsible for finding such a solution, has been unable to rise to the challenge these last four years. Japan will enter the Security Council next year. Japan is ready to make its maximum efforts to bear a part of the responsibility and we welcome the recent development attained in Vienna.

 

        Second, the question of peace and security is closely linked to that of sustainable development. Recently, under the presidency of the United Kingdom, an open debate was convened on the topic of peace, security and development in the Security Council. We need to have a new way of thinking with regard to the relationship between development and these issues.

 

        It is a remarkable achievement that promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development was agreed as Goal 16 in the 2030 Agenda. We need to have an integrated and inclusive way of thinking with regards to these issues. In particular, we must consider how to maintain consistency and coherence among the discussions in the Security Council, the General Assembly, ECOSOC, the boards of the Funds & Programmes, the Peace Building Committee, and the Human Rights Council. To do so, we have to abolish the silo approach. To that end, the Security Council, which has the main responsibility for peace and security issues, must take a leading role, but the responsibility of the General Assembly is also immense.

 

        Third, we have to address the gap between humanitarian  and development assistances. This issue has been discussed for over two decades. Japan, as a strong advocate of human security, has been emphasizing the need for seamless assistance. I noted with pleasure that many UN agencies are now advocating that humanitarian actors and development actors should work together from the beginning.

 

        In this connection, Japan announced in the General Debate this year that it would contribute approximately 810 million US dollars this year in assistance for refugees and IDPs from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, we will focus on furthering linking our humanitarian and development assistances, as well as creating an environment in which donors and host communities can collaborate closely, so that refugees are enabled to contribute to the economic growth of host regions. We hope that this discussion will be further developed towards the World Humanitarian Summit.

 

        Fourth, we have to promote reconciliation between different religions. For that purpose, we need to carry and foster a spirit of tolerance. It is also important to enhance dialogues between religions and religious sects. Japan has been contributing to fostering mutual understanding and a spirit of tolerance by inviting Islamic stakeholders and exchanging views on dialogue between different religions and the development of a moderate Islamic society.   

 

 

Mr. President,

 

        I would like to conclude my statement by stressing Japan’s commitment to work for the solution of this very important issue in the spirit of compassion, solidarity and cooperation.  We are looking forward to working with other member states, UN agencies and various actors for the London Conference in February, the World Humanitarian Summit in May and the Summit in next September.

 

I thank you very much, Mr. President.