Fourth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects

Statement by the Delegation of Japan

International Cooperation and Assistance

Mr. Chairman,

Let me first of all express my delegation’s sincere appreciation to the Friend of Chair of this topic, the distinguished delegate of Australia, for preparing the working paper we have before us. 

It is my delegation’s view that the paper successfully identifies the areas where further actions are needed in order to promote international cooperation and assistance. We fully share the view of the Friend of Chair that while the needs and priorities identified in the BMS 3 outcome document remain relevant, it is time for us to identify concrete ways in which to improve implementation. My delegation is ready to work with you and all other delegations to examine how best to reflect such concrete elements in the outcome document of this BMS.

Mr. Chairman

How to match the needs for international assistance with available resources remains a major challenge in promoting international cooperation and assistance. Japan shares the view of the Friend of Chair that we need to move forward to improve our approach to matching needs and resources. Effective and efficient allocation of resources is a priority for states and it is vital that they have a better understanding of how needs can be identified, prioritized and communicated, and how resources can be requested from donors.

In this connection, my delegation stresses the usefulness of the PoA-Implementation Support System (PoA-ISS), to which the Government of Japan provided financial assistance for its development. Thanks to the dedicated work of UNODA, a web-based tool for matching needs and resources has been integrated into the PoA-ISS platform. This makes it easier to recognize the needs of states in one glance – the nature and the thematic areas where assistance is considered necessary.

However, they are not specific or detailed enough for donors to identify the exact assistance required. This is where a Checklist for Matching Needs and Resources could prove its usefulness. UNIDIR has created this comprehensive tool for self-assessment by states which will allow donors to identify immediately the types of assistance requested by states. Japan encourages the use of this Checklist as an integral part of the web-based Matching Needs and Resources mechanism. Furthermore, UNODA could present such requests to regular informal meetings of interested states and potential donors.

Mr. Chairman,

The paper also indicated the specific areas of cooperation for promoting dialogue and a culture of peace --- for instance, strengthening partnerships with civil society in building peace at the local level, training police, exchanging views on the practical implications of the links between peace and security, development, human rights and the rule of law.

Japan has long been advocating a comprehensive approach to providing assistance. Security and development are two mutually interacting elements and security sector reform (SSR) is a part of development. It is important that SALW programmes are integrated into national development programming. Community-level and grass root participation in such programmes is essential.

To give you a recent example of Japan’s assistance, the Government of Japan last year funded the “Enhancement of Armed Violence Control Programme” in Liberia. This project is designed to reduce armed violence and promote community security through support to grass root communities, civil society organizations and national institutions, creating opportunities for the voluntary surrender of weapons, reduction in armed violence and community recovery. This project also includes capacity building of national police. This kind of comprehensive approach is the key to ensure the “multiplier effect” in providing international assistance.

Mr. Chairman,

Lastly, I would like to highlight two more points we find particularly important in the paper. One is the need to build linkages across existing projects that achieve multiple objectives. Coordination and sharing of information among donors and implementing agencies on site will help achieve improved effectiveness. Another is the need for inter-agency cooperation and coordination, both nationally and internationally. We could draw lessons from national experiences or by reviewing existing mechanisms. 

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation would like to see these elements included in the outcome document.

I thank you.