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Statement by Ambassador Yoshifumi Okamura

Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations,

Chargé d’ Affaires

At the Debate of the United Nations Security Council

on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

18 December 2014

 

Mr. President,

 

           I would like to express my gratitude for convening today’s meeting.  

 

           I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Mr. Nicholas Haysom. Japan extends its warmest congratulations to the new leadership of UNAMA, led by Mr. Haysom and his Deputy-SRSGs, Mr. Mark Bowen and Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto. We look forward to UNAMA continuing to play an important role in providing international assistance for Afghanistan’s path towards self-reliance.

 

Mr. President,

 

           Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture. Under the leadership of President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, the new government must now start tackling numerous challenges.

 

           In this regard, the completion of ministerial nominations is a matter of urgency. It is regrettable that key government posts have yet to be appointed. We call on the new leadership to form, without delay, an inclusive national unity government.

 

           We expect the new government to follow through on their reform agendas that they presented at the London Conference on Afghanistan on the 3rd and 4th of December. Fighting corruption is of paramount importance. The new government must also make further efforts towards economic and fiscal sustainability and the improvement of the situation surrounding women and children. Progress needs to be made in the reconciliation process with anti-government insurgents as well.

 

           In the field of security, the drawdown of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) at the end of this year will mark a watershed in Afghanistan’s path towards self-reliance. The Afghan people need to realize that they must demonstrate ownership and take the lead to ensure their own security. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANSF) should now assume full responsibility for security. In this regard, Japan welcomes the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2189 earlier this month, which underscores the importance of international support for ANSF’s capacity building to be provided by NATO’s Resolute Support Mission (RSM).

 

Mr. President,

 

           Afghanistan’s future is in the hands of the Afghan people. Japan thus attaches importance to their ownership and self-help efforts. The “Transformation Decade” from 2015 through 2024 presents a historical opportunity for Afghanistan to determine its own future towards self-reliance. Japan stands ready to extend its support to the Afghan people as long as they earnestly work for a better future.

 

           We will also put emphasis on the perspective of human security to focus on each individual’s fulfillment and empowerment. We believe that ordinary Afghan citizens aspire to have a peaceful and prosperous life in close proximity with their families and friends. It is this aspiration that provides a driving force for peace and stability.

 

           It is from these perspectives that Japan has been actively engaged in the reconstruction process of the country. Let me touch upon two points that are part of the priorities of Japanese assistance.

 

           My first point concerns public order and security. From my own experiences in post-conflict countries, I recognize how crucial law and order are in reconstructing local communities. Local people must assume primary responsibility for their own communities. It is thus essential that the Afghan people become empowered and capable of ensuring public order and security. 

 

           This is why Japan has been supporting the strengthening of Afghan law enforcement capabilities. Through our contribution to the UNDP’s “Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan” (LOTFA) amounting to a total of 1 billion dollars, we have contributed to a two-fold increase in the number of police officers from 2008 to 2012. We have also been implementing numerous capacity building programs. For instance, we have provided financial and technical assistance to a four-month training program for about 200 female Afghan police officers. This program has been under way in Turkey since last month.      

 

           My second point concerns sustainable development. We believe that poverty reduction and sustainable growth are essential for empowerment of people. Achieving a sound and prosperous economy helps address the root causes of terrorism and extremism.

 

           In this context, we would like to underscore the strategic importance of agriculture from the perspective of human security. Approximately 80 percent of the total Afghan population is engaged in agricultural work. This sector has the biggest potential for job creation in the country. The presence of empowered Afghan farmers will provide a solid foundation for strong and resilient local communities. 

 

           This is what Japan aims for. As rice production has great potential for the Afghan economy, our assistance projects include research and development (R&D) on rice cultivation and the improvement of irrigation facilities. Japan has recently made contributions in the field of veterinary medicine as well, by deciding to provide 19 million dollars through the FAO to help control foot-and-mouth disease.

 

Furthermore, I would like to point out that developing basic infrastructure is also an essential component for achieving sustainable development. Infrastructure connects people. It enables trade and investment to expand.

 

           We have been helping to construct or improve roads such as the Kabul and Kandahar road as well as airports including the Kabul International Airport and the Bamyan Airport. The new government’s emphasis on improving connectivity between Afghanistan and its surrounding areas is a further testimony to the relevance of our approach. We hope that Japan’s support will significantly contribute to reinvigorating local communities and reintegrating Afghanistan into regional and global economies.

 

Mr. President,

 

           

           In closing, I wish to emphasize the importance of a strong partnership between Afghanistan and the international community. The London Conference on Afghanistan offered a precious opportunity to reaffirm a solid bond that unites us. Japan welcomes the fact that most of the participants, Afghan and international partners alike, reiterated their commitments to the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (TMAF).

 

           Japan, as the second largest aid contributor to Afghanistan, has already disbursed over 2 billion dollars out of its commitment of providing up to around 3 billion dollars since 2012. With the understanding that the new Afghan government will deliver on its commitments made under the TMAF, we will carry out our own commitment. As Afghanistan makes a crucial transition towards peace and prosperity, Japan remains committed to offering its support in cooperation with the international community.

 

Thank you, Mr. President.