August 8, 2024
I thank Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Executive Director Gherman for their briefings. I also thank the Monitoring Team for its work on the reports.
Japan remains deeply concerned by the fact that terrorism continues to be a serious threat to international peace and security, despite efforts by Member States and UN entities.
ISIL-K is reported to have been responsible for a series of high-profile attacks, and is now seen no longer as a potential threat, but a manifest one that threatens the entire globe.
We are also alarmed by reports that ISIL, Al-Qaida, and their affiliates are exploiting new and emerging technologies. The increasing use of anonymity-enhancing cryptocurrencies, also known as privacy coins, is concerning. The exploitation of 3D printing to manufacture weapons and unmanned aerial systems can be a serious loophole in arms embargoes.
Mr. President,
I commend your leadership in raising attention about West Africa and the Sahel today. Unfortunately, the region continues to be one of the major centres of terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism, both the number of incidents of terrorism and their fatalities have been significantly increasing.
Let me highlight the following three points;
First, we must address conditions conducive to terrorism and violent extremism with a long-term and comprehensive approach.
A security-centred approach alone is insufficient to counter this threat, the rise of which has not happened in isolation. Terrorists and violent extremists are exploiting societal fragility caused by the multi-faceted challenges the region faces such as political instability, poverty, and the devastating effects of climate change.
Therefore, Japan reiterates the importance of adopting a holistic approach utilizing a human security lens and promoting the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus.
Second, people must be at the centre of all efforts, especially those who are most affected by adversity, such as women, youth, and minorities. Human dignity must be respected in all circumstances.
Neglecting gender considerations can weaken counter-terrorism efforts and potentially exacerbate the conditions that lead to terrorism and violent extremism. Hence, it is crucial to address sexual and gender-based violence, which is utilized by terrorists for strategic purposes.
In this regard, Japan believes the adoption of Security Council resolution 2734(twenty-seven thirty-four) was an important milestone. We also note that the 1267(twelve sixty-seven) sanctions regime is a practical tool at this Council’s disposal, and it is our responsibility to utilize it effectively.
Third, a transnational perspective is essential as many challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, and climate change, know no borders. The international community should incorporate efforts by the entire UN system, as well as international financial institutions, regional and sub-regional organizations, and civil society. To this end, Japan congratulates the successful holding of the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting in Abuja this April.
Mr. President,
In closing, I wish to say one more thing. Let us not forget the sexual violence perpetrated by ISIL against the Yazidi community 10 years ago. Those who committed such acts must be held accountable. We should not allow the same tragedy to happen anywhere, in any region in the world.
I thank, Mr. President.