On the occation of the 59th session of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Exective Committee

Statement by Ambassador Shinichi KITAJIMA

Geneva, 6 October 2008
Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

 For the past two years with the continued increase of refugees around the world, the responsibilities of the UNHCR have grown more substantial. Considering the current steep increases in world food and energy prices and the effects of global climate change together with this rising number of refugees and displaced persons, global society seems increasingly unstable and the question of how to address the issues of refugees grows more complicated itself. 

One particular case we have witnessed recently is the tragic occurrences in Georgia. We applaud the swift response by the UNHCR and the active role played by the High Commissioner in assisting people of concern there.

On protection, Mr. Chairman,

A ddressing the protracted refugee situation is a priority that must be dealt with through the cooperation of international society.  We recognize the burden on host countries in such situations and the difficult myriad of factors that must be taken into account in order to reach a solution.  In the case of the Afghan refugee situation, it is said that some 3 million people remain displaced and a great majority have been in exile for more than 20 years in neighboring countries, such as Pakistan and Iran. To make things more complicated, it is reported that there is currently a new flow of refugees from Pakistan into Afghanistan due to the fighting in the border area.  Despite the hard work to date by relevant actors, the situation is desperate.  The Government of Japan has been and continues to be of the intention to cooperate with the UNHCR and other relevant parties on this issue.  Also, w e appreciate the High Commissioner’s initiative to take up the issue of the protracted refugee situation as a topic of his next dialogue in December.  

In addition, we need to focus attention on the phenomenon of refugees in urban situations, such as in the case of millions of Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries.  Their situation requires a fresh perspective on the issue of how to best assist vulnerable people.

For our part, the Government of Japan introduced an interagency study group on resettlement last year.  Also, this July, mutual consent was reached among relevant Ministries to study the possibility of introducing resettlement.  Presently, we continue intensive study and discussions to produce concrete results .  We have also continued periodic tripartite discussions among the UNHCR, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates on refugee protection and refugee status determination.   We are pleased to say that this has served to further strengthen cooperation among the agencies.

On human security and partnership, Mr. Chairman,

From our point of view on how to achieve a durable solution on the refugee issue, return and reintegration assistance is of the utmost importance.   Tools such as vocational training, medical assistance, and education for children with which returnees can reestablish themselves are essential to the empowerment of people.  The empowerment of people is intrinsically linked to the concept of human security, on which Japan has consistently placed importance. Also, seamless assistance by the UNHCR and development organizations remains crucial for maximum effectiveness. We expect that the UN “Delivering as One” will serve as a good mechanism for its accomplishment . 

This year, Japan hosted the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) with the basic message of “Toward a Vibrant Africa” focusing on a push forward for African political and economic development.  We appreciated the fruitful discussion that resulted from Mr. Guterres’ excellent leadership as co-chair at a breakout session on ensuring human security. 

Finally on the issue of structural reform, Mr. Chairman,

Beginning with the successful establishment of the UNHCR Budapest office, we appreciate the various reform efforts undertaken by the Office, such as further review of the headquarters’ functions, field review, and decentralization and regionalization .  We expect that the ongoing Global Needs Assessment, introduction of a new budgetary structure, and the adoption of FOCUS software will lead to the realization of results-based management.  We understand periods of transition are difficult but believe that these improvements will lead to further benefits for people of our concern.  

Thank you for your attention.