STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. TOSHIRO OZAWA
AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON PROMOTION OF JUSTICE AND INTERNATIONAL LAW AND DRUG CONTROL, CRIME PREVENTION AND COMBATING INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

26 APRIL 2006
INFORMAL CONSULTATION OF THE PLENALY OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON MANDATE REVIEW

Promotion of Justice and International Law

Mr. Co-Chair,

The role played by the United Nations in promoting justice and international law is becoming increasingly important for promoting the maintenance of international peace and security.

Accompanying this expanded role for the UN is the growing workload for all of us in the area of justice and international law. To ensure effective work in this area, Japan in principle supports the suggestion presented by the Secretary-General in his report to simplify and consolidate reporting obligations. We expect and hope that more concrete proposals on this matter will be made by the Secretariat. Our primary position remains that essential reports will continue to be required. Japan understands that in a number of cases, highly technical and analyzed reports are necessary because accuracy is essential in the area of international law.

With regard to the recommendation by the Secretary-General on the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization, my government understands that this proposal has been made on the basis of the recent unproductive situation faced by the Special Committee. Japan's proposal, submitted in 2000, co-sponsored by Australia, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Uganda, on the working methods of the Special Committee was adopted on 12 April, during the current year's session. However, we believe that the adopted working methods will not be a panacea for solving all the fundamental problems of the Committee, and are also aware that many Member States share our recognition of the necessity to change the current situation of the Committee.

On the rules of procedures of the General Assembly, Japan welcomes the efforts by the Secretariat, in particular by the Office of Legal Affairs, to consolidate and update the rules of procedure of the General Assembly.

Drug Control and Crime Prevention

Mr. Co-Chair,

With regard to drug control and crime prevention, the report of the Secretary-General pointed out the possibility of merging the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. We believe that further detailed discussion is necessary on this subject, bearing in mind that the current themes being discussed in these two Commissions are somewhat different.

Combating International Terrorism

Mr. Co-Chair,

We believe that the UN is expected to play an increasingly important role in the area of counter-terrorism. We have seen an expansion of mandates in the last five years. This being the case, we should endeavor to avoid unnecessary overlap in its work and build a system which will lead to more effective activities in this area.

Japan acknowledges that the reporting obligations to the Security Council committees on counter-terrorism-related activities constitute a burden to a number of Member States. We also note some doubts that have been raised with regard to the efficiency of country visits conducted by some of the committees. The Security Council has been examining possible measures to tackle these problems through enhanced coordination among the relevant committees. As a member of the Security Council, Japan intends to contribute to those discussions and looks forward to achieving tangible results on these matters at the earliest possible date.

With regard to the recommendations on setting up a universal procedure or common norm for dealing with non-complying States in general, we wish to point out that the concrete content of such measures has been under consideration in the Council with suggestions from experts. Japan intends to contribute to these discussions and looks forward to achieving results.

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