1. Background of Japan’s participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKO)

　The 1990 gulf crisis provided Japan with an opportunity to deeply consider, as a member of the international community, in what form the country should contribute to peace and security of the international community. The Government submitted the United Nations Peace Cooperation Bill to the Diet in October 1990. As deliberation on the bill was not completed in the Diet, it failed to pass during the session and was dropped. However it did provide the impetus for further countrywide debates on Japan’s contribution to the international community. In September 1991, the Government newly submitted to the Diet a draft Act on Cooperation for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Other Operations, which included provisions of stipulated the so-called “five principles of participation in UN PKOs.* ” Following heated debate in the Diet, it (hereafter referred to as the PKO Act) was approved in June 1992 and enacted in August. Before taking its present form, the PKO Act was revised twice (1998 and 2001), following Japanese experience of actual deployment of personnel for UN PKOs.

2. First Participation in UN PKO based on the PKO Act

　As its first deployment based on the PKO Act in September 1992, Japan dispatched three electoral observers to the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II), and also dispatched the engineering unit composed of approximately 600 personnel of the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). In October 1993, Japan also dispatched 75 civilian police officers to UNTAC additionally. The operation in Cambodia, in which a total more than 1,300 personnel was involved from September 1992 to September 1993, made a major contribution to the peace-building efforts of Cambodia and therefore played a very significant role in the Japan’s diplomacy. Meanwhile there is also a sad history during these operations. Mr. Atsushi Nakata, who was working as a UN volunteer for election preparations, was killed in April 1993 while Mr. Haruyuki Takada, who was deployed as a civilian police officer, died in the line of duty in May the same year. These were some of the most tragic events in the twenty-year history of Japan’s participation in UN PKOs, and it also proved that peace and security of the international community is at times built on the ultimate sacrifice.

3. Japan’s achievements in UN PKOs

　Over the past 20 years, Japan has dispatched a total of more than 9,500 personnel** to International Peace Cooperation Assignments in 27 countries and regions including Angola, Cambodia, Mozambique, El Salvador, Golan Heights, East Timor, Nepal, Sudan, Haiti and South Sudan. As of December 2012, the breakdown of personnel who served is as follows: Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel--9,173; civilian police officers--82; electoral observers--251. The international community, such as the UN and recipient countries has deeply appreciated contributions by the Japanese personnel for their professionalism, discipline and integrity. As proven by this record, public understanding and support regarding Japan’s cooperation in UN PKOs has greatly increased over the last 20 years. In 1994, 58.9% of respondents to the Public Opinion Survey on Diplomacy by the Cabinet Office said that “Japan should maintain its current level of involvement” or “Japan should be more involved than the current level” in relation to UN PKOs, however in 2012 this figure increased to 83.3%.

4. Multidimentional UN PKOs and Nature of Japan’s Cooperation

　The mandate and role of UN PKOs have been diversified over the last 20 years and Japan has steadily continued to cooperate while adapting to these changes as it operates various activities. Notably, the experiences of the engineering unit of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, which was responsible for infrastructure improvements including the maintenance and repair of roads and bridges under the UNTAC, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), have been fully utilized in recent activities in UN PKOs. One of the features of recent UN PKOs has been the emphasis on the coordination with ODA or NGO’s activities as seen in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). The engineering unit of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, which has extensive expertise in providing assistance for nation building, particularly infrastructure improvement, is now playing an important role in assisting affected countries to make the transition from post conflict or independence -where peacekeeping operations are required- to redevelopment and rebuilding of social infrastructure, and then on to sustainable development.

5. Future UN PKO Involvement

　In order for Japan to continue to cooperate in a manner befitting to its position as a responsible member of the international community, it is vital that all the relevant ministries, agencies and organizations of Japan, both public and private, implement harmoniously mid to long-term initiatives that retain the objectives of post-conflict reconstruction in parallel with driving diplomatic efforts for conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peace-building including prevention of conflict recurrence. For that purpose, there are numerous legal and operational challenges to be overcome. For example, Japan is expected to cooperate in even wider areas, including new fields, while focusing on operations in the areas in which Japan excels. Japan must consider how it can implement initiatives in an integrated manner involving NGOs and other relevant public and private organizations as well as considering granting appropriate authority for the use of weapons in situations deemed necessary. The Study Group on Japan’s Engagement in UN Peacekeeping Operations which was launched in October 2010 also discussed these challenges, and an interim report was issued by the study group in July 2011.
　The international community expects Japan to proactively contribute to UN PKOs. For example, Mr.Ladsous, the Under-Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations, expressed his expectations for Japan to dispatch high quality personnel, particularly female, in the fields of engineering, medicine, aviation, and as staff officers and police officers. As the security and prosperity of Japan are built upon peace and security of the international community, it is essential that Japan continues to vigorously advance discussions and make necessary decisions while understanding that responsible and proactive contributions to UN PKOs, which play a significant role in peace and security of the international community, also contribute to the national interests of Japan.