Statement by Mr. Ken Mukai
Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations

Item 122: Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations

The Fifth Committee
63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
7 October 2008

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Bernardo Greiver, the Chairman of the Committee on Contributions, for introducing his report.

Mr. Chairman,

As the second largest financial contributor to the United Nations, which by itself shoulders nearly one sixth of the Organization's financial burden, Japan places great importance on the scale of assessments. I can assure you that my delegation will constructively participate actively in the coming round of negotiations.

Japan continues to pay its dues faithfully, without conditions, despite the fact that its Government faces difficult financial situations.

My delegation supports the principle that each Member State of the United Nations should pay its assessed contribution according to its capacity to pay. Over the years, in the case of Japan, however, a discrepancy has developed between the scale and the GNI share. We have to find methodology that would better reflect each Member State's more recent capacity to pay.

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Greiver and the members of the Committee on Contributions for all the work they put into consideration the various elements of the methodology based on the principle of capacity to pay and producing the report. We will also actively take part in discussions on exemptions to the application of Article 19 of the Charter and other issues related to arrears in payments.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Related Information (United Nations)
Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Official Web Site