17 December 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and USG Fletcher for their informative briefings. I also thank Ms. Waad al-Kateab and Mr. Bader Jamous for their words.
Since November 27, we have witnessed rapid and dramatic changes in the state of affairs in Syria. Though it is premature to use concrete terms in relation to the de facto authority, we take note that the current caretaker government has expressed its will for a smooth and peaceful transfer of power.
In this regard, we appreciate the efforts made by Special Envoy Pedersen, including through meeting with Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Mr. Mohammed al-Bashir in Damascus and other relevant counterparts.
Japan is committed to backing the efforts of the Syrian people to realize a political transition process in the spirit of the principles of Security Council Resolution 2254 which leads to credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance. The future government must ensure respect for the rule of law and human rights, including women’s rights. It also needs to provide protection to all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities.
Madam President,
There has been a succession of reports of the tragic traces of the atrocities committed by Assad regime, including torture in the detention centers such as Sednaya. The former regime must be held accountable for its crimes, and justice must be served.
As the Special Envoy said, providing immediate and necessary support to the victims and their families is urgent. We uphold the roles of relevant bodies in this regard to shed light on what has happened and is happening in order to restore the dignity of detainees and determine the fates of the missing.
Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of continuing our efforts with the OPCW and other partners to secure, declare and destroy Syria’s remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. We must prevent terrorist and extremist groups from acquiring any weapons of mass destruction.
We must not forget those who are suffering as a result of the nearly 14-year civil war. More than 70% of the population still needs humanitarian assistance, and the current upheaval has only increased this need.
We understand that in some border areas, the movement of refugees returning to Syria has been observed. The authority must ensure conditions for safe, dignified, and voluntary returns of all those who were forced to flee the country.
Madam President,
Japan is concerned about the deployment of Israeli forces beyond the area of separation in the Golan Heights. Even though the Israeli government has stated that the move is a temporary and defensive measure, we believe that further explanation is required as to the grounds for these military actions, including how they could be justified in relation to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Also, we are concerned about the recent announcement by the Israeli government to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, of which the Government of Japan does not recognize the annexation by Israel, and such settlement activities are a violation of international law. Japan urges Israel to avoid any actions that would deteriorate the situation.
The door to a new era is beginning to open. Beyond, there is a need to build a new nation that is open and truly a land of peace for the Syrian people. We cannot accept the occurrence of a new round of oppression, violence, or tragedy. The future of Syria should be determined by the Syrian people themselves. We stand with the people of Syria.
I thank you.