4 December 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank the United States for convening this important meeting, and I would also like to thank Ms. Russell, Mr. Raymond and Ms. Rashevska for their sobering briefings.
It has been over one thousand days since Russia began its aggression against the sovereign nation of Ukraine, violating the UN Charter. Russia’s unprovoked aggression continues to devastate the lives of Ukrainian children. More than 12,000 civilians have been killed, including over 600 children, since February 2022. Tragically, the actual death toll is likely much higher than these confirmed numbers.
We are extremely outraged by the growing number of widespread and large-scale missile and drone attacks by Russia in all Ukrainian regions, which have caused devastating damage and casualties. The situation has now reached another phase as the DPRK’s troops have been deployed to Russia and they are now engaged in combat against Ukraine. We once again condemn in the strongest terms the unlawful, unjustified, and unacceptable military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK.
Madam President,
Russia’s attacks on critical civilian infrastructure are deplorable and cannot be tolerated, seriously affecting Ukrainian children who deserve to live in dignity and grow up in a safe environment surrounded by friends and family without fear. It is horrifying that at least 580 medical facilities, including children’s hospitals, have been attacked. In addition to casualties among medical personnel and patients from these attacks, it is reprehensible that first responders face grave danger and the threat of secondary strikes while providing aid and conducting rescues.
Particularly, the use of explosive weapons and ordnance, including landmines, in populated areas has dire consequences for child safety and infrastructure in the short and long term. These weapons are the main cause of child casualties, restrict humanitarian assistance and access for children, and impede the reconstruction of infrastructure critical for children, such as schools.
In this regard, my delegation is profoundly distressed by Russia’s continuous disregard for international law, including international humanitarian law (IHL). Attacks against civilians and civilian objects are clearly prohibited by IHL. The international community will not tolerate impunity for those responsible, and perpetrators of violations of IHL and all other heinous acts must be identified and held accountable.
Madam President,
Thousands of educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and an entire generation of children is being deprived of proper education as Russian attacks have driven schools online or underground in shelters. Education serves as a cornerstone for the future of Ukraine, therefore ensuring educational access for children affected by the war is critical. Japan has partnered with UNICEF to support the continued learning of children, including those in frontline areas.
In 2024 alone, Japan has contributed 7.95 million USD to UNICEF and 14.6 million USD to UNESCO for multi-sectoral support targeting conflict-affected children, women and communities in Ukraine. The international community should continuously and jointly support the vulnerable, including children, who suffer injustice. We reiterate that Russia must immediately cease its aggression and withdraw from Ukraine to ensure that children in Ukraine can receive a safe education and enjoy their rights.
Japan also strongly condemns child abductions by Russia. We urge Russia to repatriate abducted children to reunite them with their loved ones immediately.
Adding to their suffering, children in Ukraine are experiencing a harsh winter under attack by Russia’s aggression. The targeted devastation of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure gives rise to profound concerns regarding the severity of the winter, which may surpass all previous hardships endured since the onset of the aggression. In this regard, last month, Japan newly provided power-related equipment such as one gas turbine unit, 15 units of variable frequency drives for water pump facilities, two gas-piston cogeneration units, and 32 small generator units. Japan will continue our support to restore and enhance the supply of electricity and heating to help the people of Ukraine, including children, endure the severe winter.
Once again, Japan reiterates its strong solidarity with the Ukrainian people and will uphold its commitments to support the country. Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine and firmly advocate for the protection of children in Ukraine.
I thank you.