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Statement by H.E. Ambassador Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Open Debate of the Security Council
On International Cooperation on Combating Terrorism and Violent
Extremism
19 November 2014
Madame President,
At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your leadership in convening today's open debate. I am also grateful to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Chairs of the Council's counter-terrorism-related committees for their comprehensive and respective briefings.
Madame President,
We are all concerned about the fact that terrorism has established an international network and has expanded worldwide. On this point, the threat of terrorism is different from that of ethnic or religious conflicts. The recent serious threats posed by the so-called, "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant," (ISIL) has clearly shown us this. It is a serious threat with world-wide impact, so effective measures mandated by the U.N. are necessary.
Not only in Iraq and Syria, but we are now facing widely-expanding threats in Africa. We are shocked that Boko Haram abducted more than two-hundred schoolgirls in April. This is not a problem irrelevant to Japan. A hostage taking was followed by the deaths of 10 Japanese people in In Aménas, Algeria, in January last year. I devoted myself to this issue in my previous position as the Director-General for African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and took this issue up as one of the major topics when we organized TICAD V (the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development) in June last year.
Through the TICAD process, it is a shared view that where people, especially the younger generation, are frustrated about extreme poverty and youth unemployment, terrorism expands. Needless to say, fights against terrorism on the front lines are important. However, it is also important to address the so-called "root causes". By achieving social and economic development, we can bring hope to the people of the regions and create a foundation that doesn't tolerate terrorism.
Advancing social and economic development is the very idea of TICAD V. At the Conference, Prime Minister Abe announced 1 billion dollars for the development and stability of the Sahel, as well as assistance for enhancing the capacity of the region to engage in counter-terrorism.
Madame President,
Let me introduce briefly Japan's recent international undertakings in the field of counter-terrorism.
First, we consider that regional cooperation is important to cope with challenges more effectively and more practically. As part of the assistance programs announced at TICAD V, Japan hosted a workshop last week on criminal justice cooperation for counter-terrorism among the Sahel States and States in North Africa. We had participation from several States in the region, and hope it has promoted regional cooperation.
Second, based on the idea that regional stability and social and economic development are effective in addressing the "root causes" in fighting terrorism, Japan has provided a wide range of assistance to several regions, not only what was announced at TICAD V. As a recent example, Japan decided in September to extend Emergency Grant Aid of 22.70 million dollars to Iraq and Lebanon, in order to provide emergency shelters and relief items for Iraqi IDPs and Syrian refugees affected by the ISIL offensive.
It goes without saying that we are in close cooperation with States in Asia, especially ASEAN Member States, on counter terrorism. It is reflected in the ASEAN-Japan Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and Transnational Crime adopted last week in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Since Japan established the ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in 2006, we have held annual dialogues so far, including the 9th one in May in Singapore. Japan believes such continued efforts are key. It makes it easier for us to have more candid exchange of views and ideas, and this makes it easier for us to come up with more effective and practical measures on counter terrorism, building on past good practices. Furthermore, I would like to underline the fact that the East Asia Summit (EAS) has also released an independent statement last week that reiterates our commitment to work with the international community to fight against extremism, radicalism and terrorism.
Madame President,
Regarding Security Council Resolution 2178 adopted in September, more than 100 Member States, including Japan, were co-sponsors. This demonstrates the solidarity of the international community on this issue. Member States should take appropriate action to implement the measures in the resolution.
To respond effectively to threats, especially the issue of foreign terrorist fighters, several kinds of measures, such as border control, countering violent extremism, and terrorist financing, international cooperation is indispensable. I hope the international community will reaffirm its determination to fight terrorism by sharing its wisdom and expertise with each other to strengthen measures against international terrorism.
Madame President,
I would like to conclude by reaffirming Japan's position in fighting resolutely against international terrorism. Japan, as a responsible member of the U.N., will play an active role in making every effort to fight against terrorism hand in hand with the international community
I thank you.
