Since the end of the Cold War, regional conflicts and civil wars have been on the increase around the world, and peacebuilding has become one of the most important issues for the international community. Japan has been actively contributing to peacebuilding. Japan must play a responsible role in the international community as a "Peace Fostering Nation" to contribute to peace and prosperity of the world. This is what the Government of Japan, led by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, has been advocating recently. Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura made a policy speech entitled "Japan: A Builder of Peace" in January 2008 and expressed Japan's determination to seek concrete actions to contribute to a variety of peacebuilding activities. Japan's peacebuilding efforts consist of the following three major pillars:
- Engagement on the Ground
The first pillar is engagement on the ground. In 1992, Japan enacted the International
Peace Cooperation Law (Law Concerning Cooperation for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Other Operations) that established a legal framework for comprehensive cooperation for efforts to promote international peace and security, centered on the United Nations. This was followed by participation by Japan Self-Defense Forces and civilian personnel in Peacekeeping Operations in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Mozambique, and other areas. Currently, such missions include those in the Golan Heights and Nepal. The hard work and dedication of Japanese personnel are highly appreciated by their counterparts at the UN and in the governments of the countries where they are deployed.
In recent years, Japan has also been making contributions to international peace and security in other areas as well. Japan has been providing significant support for the fight against terrorism which remains one of the most urgent agendas for the international community. This includes refueling by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to naval vessels of various nations deployed in the Indian Ocean to interdict the passage of terrorists, arms, drugs, etc.
To assist the reconstruction of Iraq, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force(JGSDF) personnel conducted reconstruction activities in Samawah, Iraq, from January 2004 to July 2006, including medical care, water supply, and the restoration and reconstruction of public facilities. After the JGSDF's redeployment, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force continues to provide airlift support to the United Nations and Multinational Forces in Iraq, with flights to Talill, Baghdad and Erbil.
