April 4, 2024
Madam President,
I thank ASG Mr. Khiari and OCHA Director Ms. Doughten for their insightful briefings.
Japan has consistently urged the Myanmar military to take three concrete actions:
First, immediately stop the violence including airstrikes;
Second, release those who are detained, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders;
Third, swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system.
Regrettably, these actions have not come to be taken.
Japan reiterates its strong condemnation against the situation where the Myanmar military has repeatedly extended the state of emergency without working towards a peaceful resolution, while countless innocent civilians, including women and children, have fallen victim to airstrikes and other forms of violence.
In addition, the introduction of conscription was announced by the Myanmar military in February. Japan is seriously concerned that it would throw the situation into further confusion.
As expressed by the UN Secretary-General, we are also alarmed by reports of ongoing airstrikes by the military, including the recent one in Minbya township, Rakhine State that reportedly killed and injured many civilians, including children.
It is highly regrettable that the Council was not able to express its position on such an inhuman act against the people of Myanmar.
We must recall that the Council has not been able to issue any press statement or any other Council products on the deteriorating situation in Myanmar for more than 15 months.
This is definitely not something the people of Myanmar expect from this august body.
Continuing to silence the Council would further accelerate the violations in Myanmar.
We must represent the voices of the people of Myanmar who have strong aspirations to a peaceful and democratic future.
Madam President,
The Council should reiterate its support for ASEAN’s centrality.
Japan encourages ASEAN’s Chair and its Special Envoy to engage with all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar, neighboring countries and key regional partners.
There is also a need for ASEAN to maintain close coordination with relevant UN bodies and the next Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, who, we sincerely hope, will be appointed without further delay.
The human rights should be protected and humanitarian situation in Myanmar need to be improved in a manner that reflects the will of the people of Myanmar.
Japan has continuously provided humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar.
Last month the Government of Japan decided to provide additional humanitarian assistance totaling approximately 37 million US dollars.
The assistance will include medical services, nutrition improvement for pregnant women and infants, water and sanitation infrastructure, access to education, food and medicine distribution, and support for women victims of trafficking in persons.
In order to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need, Japan will continue to actively provide such assistance in even closer coordination not only with international organizations but also with non-governmental organizations and other partners.
The Council must be united in calling on the military to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
Madam President,
Japan believes that further and more frequent discussions on this agenda item at the Council would be instrumental for taking more coordinated actions towards a peaceful resolution of the situation in Myanmar.
Japan is ready for further discussions about any possible action by the Council to support the people of Myanmar.
I thank you.