(Check Against Delivery)
Statement by H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Open Debate of the Security Council
On the “Maintenance of International Peace and Security”
23 February 2015
Mr. President,
Seventy years ago, the United Nations was created for the purposes and principles enumerated in the Charter, such as the maintenance of peace and security, the rule of law, respect for human rights and the self-determination of peoples. Upholding these purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the world body has been making active contributions in areas such as peaceful settlement of disputes, peacekeeping, poverty reduction and universalization of human rights. Placing high importance on the role played by the United Nations, Japan has come a long way together with the United Nations.
Japan expresses its highest appreciation for the work of the United Nations in maintaining the peace and security of the international community. At the same time, when we look at the world’s current situation, people are still suffering from conflicts, poverty and human rights violations. Moreover, the world is facing unprecedented crises posed by the expansion of extremism and terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, global warming and infectious diseases. This reminds us there is an even greater need to be united in order to tackle threats common to us all.
In view of these circumstances and given that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, it is important for us to reaffirm that all the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are equally important, as we head towards the future. I therefore welcome the holding of today’s open debate and express my gratitude to you, Mr. President. I also thank the Secretary General for his briefing.
Mr. President,
Throughout its post-war history, Japan has, based on feelings of deep remorse regarding the Second World War and through upholding all the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, walked the path of a peace-loving nation that contributes to the peace and security of the world, while consistently respecting freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
Since becoming a Member of the United Nations, Japan has made assiduous efforts to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world through our activities in areas such as the maintenance of peace and security, development and humanitarian assistance, protection and promotion of human rights, as well as disarmament and non-proliferation. This is a reflection of the genuine desire of my country to dedicate itself faithfully and actively for promoting the ideals and objectives enshrined in the Charter. It is also proof that Japan has walked together with the United Nations.
We place particular importance on the principle stipulated in the Charter that international disputes shall be settled by peaceful means based on international law, and not by force or coercion. In this context, Japan fully associates itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the “Group of Friends on the Rule of Law.” Japan has made great efforts to fully comply with international law and we are proud of our record. Japan is committed to every international tribunal, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). We have made significant and constructive contributions for their better use and universalization.
Mr. President,
At the same time, if the United Nations is to deal effectively with ever-changing realities of the international community, the United Nations, including the Security Council, must consistently reform and strengthen itself. The 70th anniversary of the foundation of this world body should be a golden opportunity for us to renew our resolve to redouble our efforts to this effect. Japan will continue with its endeavors to achieve concrete results, together with an overwhelming majority of Member States calling for reform.
Mr. President,
Peace, democracy and human rights now constitute an inherent part of the identity of the Japanese people. This is proven by the fact that based on feelings of deep remorse regarding the Second World War, our people have endeavored for 70 years to build a free and democratic nation, respecting fundamental human rights and the rule of law. Japan has walked the path of a peace-loving nation and has made significant contributions to the peace, development and democratization of the world. The path we have taken so far as a peace-loving nation is the pride of Japanese people and it will never change. Since the inception of the United Nations, history has shown how important all the purposes and principles of the Charter are to us.
I would like to end my statement by reaffirming Japan’s determination to continue on our path as a peace-loving nation, together with the United Nations, in making further proactive contributions in the areas such as peacebuilding, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, the fight against terrorism, respect for human rights and women’s empowerment. We will do so, so that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are duly crystalized in the actual world.
I thank you, Mr. President.
