Statement by H.E. Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
at the Open Debate of the Security Council
on Working Methods of the Security Council
23 October 2014
Madame President,
At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to you for your initiative to hold this Debate on Working Methods of the Security Council. I would also like to express my appreciation for the contribution of your excellent work in your capacity as the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. The Working Group has recently produced the Note by the President of the Security Council (S/2014/739) concerning the speaking order for meetings of the Council. I believe this concrete outcome will, coupled with previous Notes by the President, enhance efficiency and transparency of the work of the Council.
Madame President,
We, the Member States, confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. All Member States, including non- Council members, are bound by its decisions. The way how the Council conducts its work is a matter of critical importance which has direct impact on interests of all Member States. This is the reason Japan attaches great importance to the efforts to improve its working methods.
Some progress has been made so far, and I am proud that Japan is one of the leading contributors to the discussion of the working methods. Japan, in its capacity as the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, took the initiative of compiling the Presidential Note 507 in 2006, which is known as the “Blue Book”. Japan also took the lead, as the Chair of the Working Group, to update it and produced the Presidential Note 507 in 2010, also known as the “Green Book”. I reiterate Japan’s commitment to playing an active role with the Member States to improve working methods of the Security Council.
We have to admit that more efficient and transparent procedures are required when the Security Council makes its decisions, so that the Council and the United Nations as a whole can keep up with expectation of the Member States. I call for further cooperation of the Council members, including the Permanent members.
Madame President,
Let me briefly touch upon the two topics you have suggested.
I believe UN sanctions are an effective tool to bring and maintain peace and security, and Japan is firmly committed to the full and effective implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. We, the Member States, need to continue to ensure legitimacy and credibility of the sanctions in order to gain broader support from the international community. Sanctions are directly connected with human rights issues. It is essential that listing and de-listing are conducted on the basis of the principle of due process. In this context, Japan highly values the activities of the ombudsperson. We need to be flexible and take into consideration specific situations of each case in order to have our sanctions work effectively and properly.
Madame President,
As for the Security Council referral to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), I would like to stress that Japan attaches importance to the Court, where cases of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole are investigated, prosecuted and decided. In doing so, we can realize justice and rule of law for victims. Japan contributes to the Court not only in terms of finance, but also by sending qualified judges. Japan is resolved to continue to cooperate with the Court to the maximum extent possible.
The Security Council does not have specific follow-up mechanism in case it refers a situation to the ICC Prosecutor. It is appropriate for the Council to find out what measures to be taken through dialogues with interested countries.
Madame President,
Lastly but not least, improving working methods is important, but not enough to strengthen the legitimacy of the Security Council. We have to reflect the geopolitical reality of the 21st century into the Council. Next year, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations. Let me express my strong desire to see a Security Council reform which makes it more broadly representative, efficient and transparent and thereby further enhances its effectiveness, legitimacy and implementation of its decisions.
I thank you, Madame President
