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Statement by H.E. Mr. Tsuneo Nishida
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
Open Debate on Women and Peace and Security
Security Council
24 June 2013
Thank you, Mr. President,
At the outset, I thank the Rt. Hon. William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, for holding this important debate. Japan appreciates the UK’s initiative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict including the G8 process.
I also thank Secretary-General of the United Nations, and his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for their respective briefings. I would like to thank and welcome the participation of the representative from civil society.
Japan welcomes the today’s adoption of the new Security Council Resolution 2106, which further strengthens the framework established by the previous relevant resolutions and contains critical operational guidance.
<The G8 Summit and the Declaration on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict>
As described in the G8 Foreign Ministers’ historic Declaration, the early implementation of which was encouraged by the G8 leaders last week, despite various efforts, sexual violence in conflict continues to occur in the 21st century, and we share the view that more must be done to address these ongoing crimes. Japan is committed to holding perpetrators to account and to supporting victims.
<Prevention>
First, in order to prevent sexual violence, we need to raise the cost to perpetrators and end the culture of impunity. In this regard, it is essential that we support national governments to meet their own challenges of justice and accountability, as well as strengthen the international mechanisms of justice. As to the former, Japan is supporting national governments to develop their legal systems and facilitate their security sector reforms. As to the latter, Japan attaches great importance to the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Japan, as a leading contributor to the ICC, believes that it is necessary to further promote the court’s universality, and expects the dialogue and collaboration between the Security Council and the ICC to deepen.
Furthermore, effective investigation and documentation of crimes of sexual violence is instrumental in bringing perpetrators to justice. To this end, developing the capacity of national governments to investigate crimes, and raising awareness of sensitivity of sexual violence are both essential. In this regard, Japan believes that providing standard guidelines would be useful, and therefore supports the development of the International Protocol on the Investigation and Documentation of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
<Relief>
Second, we also recognize the importance of providing relief to the victims of sexual violence. Japan is committed to ensuring that multi-sectoral assistance and services are provided to victims. In this connection, we would like to mention that, in April of this year, Mr. Motoo Noguchi, a former judge at the Supreme Court Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers of the Court of Cambodia (ECCC), was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV).
<Japan’s cooperation with UN Women and Office of SRSG>
Third, Japan recently made a contribution of US$ 1 million to the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which is managed by UN Women. We are also currently taking part in efforts to raise awareness of the Fund, and to expand its donor base, including private sector donors.
In closing, Japan reiterates its full support for the mandate of SRSG Ms. Bangura and commends her proactive engagements. We would also like to underline the important role played by the Team of Experts in fostering national ownership, leadership and responsibility in addressing sexual violence. Japan strongly supports their efforts and will cooperate closely with them.
I thank you, Mr. President.
