[Title] Statement by H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan at the Fifth Ministerial Plenary of the GCTF

Your Excellency Mr. John Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America,

Your Excellency Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey,

Excellencies, and distinguished delegates,

【The threats of the ISIL】

Despite our tireless efforts, the global proliferation of threats of terrorism has become evident, as shown from the active engagement in terrorism by violent extremist groups spreading around the world. In particular, the ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) has been taking an effective control over large parts of territories in Syria and Iraq and unilaterally declared the establishment of self-proclaimed caliphate, posing serious threats that could jeopardize the international order.

The rise of extremist groups has also been causing extensive violations and abuses of human rights. In Syria and Iraq, series of cruel acts have been committed by the ISIL. Japan firmly condemns any act of violence carried out by the ISIL.

【Japan’s response to the ISIL】

In order to tackle the ISIL and other extremist groups, as well as Foreign Terrorist Fighters, it is essential that the international society as a whole cooperate and work on comprehensive counter-terrorism measures, including counter-violent extremism, counter-terrorist financing, and effective border control. With that in mind, Japan is determined to strengthen our counter-terrorism measures and enhance our assistance to countries fighting against terrorism.

To introduce one of such efforts, Japan decided to support internally displaced people and refugees suffering from the ISIL and other extremist groups spreading out across Syria and Iraq. In addition to emergency aid of 7 million and 800 thousand US dollars, which Japan has already contributed, Japan decided to provide 25 million and 500 thousand US dollars for assisting those people through international organizations.

In addition to such emergency assistance, Japan will provide support for ensuring the regional stability in the medium and long term. Japan has been actively implementing a wide variety of comprehensive programs for counter-terrorism capacity-building of countries in North Africa, Sahel, and Middle East. Japan is determined to continue to support those countries to strengthen their governance to prevent violent extremism from putting down deep roots in the regions.

【Japan’s response to other extremist groups】

The ISIL is not the only extremist group that requires prompt response from the international society. In Nigeria, more than 200 school girls were abducted by Boko Haram in April.

Japan decided to provide emergency assistance of approximately 900 thousand US dollars primarily for the support of the abducted school girls by Boko Haram. Currently, Japan is preparing to map out an additional program for assisting Nigeria to build the capacity of the criminal justice system.

【The GCTF】

Last but not least, the GCTF has been playing an increasingly important role in enhancing the international cooperation to combat terrorism.

One of the recent remarkable achievements is the opening of IIJ, International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law in Malta. Immediately following the opening of last June, Japan and the United States, through the UNODC, held a regional workshop on strengthening the legal regime against terrorism in Libya. Japan is delighted to fully utilize this Institute in cooperation with the UNODC and other international organizations for the coming years.

I would also like to reiterate our welcome and endorsement of the initiatives for establishing the Global Fund, which was announced last September at the Forth Plenary. We will explore how we can best contribute based on the projects to be initiated by the Fund.

As a responsible member of the international community, Japan is determined to be proactively engaged in the activities of the GCTF.

Thank you for your attention.

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