第68会期麻薬委員会（CND）テーマ別セッション：議題2：治療及び保健サービスの格差並びに薬物使用による死亡者数の増加におけるステートメント（菊地信之公使参事官）（英語）
令和7年10月2日
Madame. Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates and Colleagues,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Government of Japan, to report on the progress made in the implementation of the pledges announced under the Pledge4Action initiative at the High-Level Segment in March 2024.
Japan remains firmly committed to the international fight against the world drug problem. As a country that regards the rule of law as a central pillar of its foreign policy, Japan shares the same fundamental values as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and takes pride in being its long-standing partner.
From Pledges to Practical Impact
In being consistent with our pledges, Japan has contributed over 21 million US dollars to UNODC-led projects focusing on:
Expanding Our Regional Reach
Looking ahead, Japan is exploring new avenues of cooperation in Latin America, a region where we have not yet implemented UNODC projects.
To this end, I myself visited Uruguay and Argentina in April this year—accompanied by Mr. Mathiasen, Director of Operations to conduct field-level consultations. This mission aimed to assess potential cooperation in key areas such as :
Personal Perspective on the Middle East
Allow me a brief personal reflection. I had the privilege of serving in Israel for three years, and more broadly, I have spent over ten years working in the Middle East. That experience profoundly shaped my understanding of the region’s complex challenges—particularly the intersection of drug trafficking, transnational crime, and terrorism.
These experiences have deepened Japan’s commitment to addressing drug threats not in isolation, but as part of a broader strategy to support peace, security, and development.
Conclusion
Mr. Chair,
Japan stands ready to continue working closely with UNODC and Member States, driven by shared responsibility and the belief that real-world impacts must remain at the heart of our efforts.
We will keep building on the momentum of our pledges—expanding our regional outreach, strengthening capacities, and upholding the principles of the rule of law for a safer and more resilient world.
I thank you.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Government of Japan, to report on the progress made in the implementation of the pledges announced under the Pledge4Action initiative at the High-Level Segment in March 2024.
Japan remains firmly committed to the international fight against the world drug problem. As a country that regards the rule of law as a central pillar of its foreign policy, Japan shares the same fundamental values as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and takes pride in being its long-standing partner.
From Pledges to Practical Impact
In being consistent with our pledges, Japan has contributed over 21 million US dollars to UNODC-led projects focusing on:
- Strengthening border management and law enforcement in regions vulnerable to trafficking, including Central Asia and the borders surrounding Afghanistan and Ukraine;
- Enhancing maritime security and the rule of law at sea, particularly in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, with projects in Africa and Southeast Asia;
- Scaling up emergency humanitarian and health responses in areas affected by displacement and instability, notably in the Mekong region.
Expanding Our Regional Reach
Looking ahead, Japan is exploring new avenues of cooperation in Latin America, a region where we have not yet implemented UNODC projects.
To this end, I myself visited Uruguay and Argentina in April this year—accompanied by Mr. Mathiasen, Director of Operations to conduct field-level consultations. This mission aimed to assess potential cooperation in key areas such as :
- Disrupting illicit drug flows, particularly synthetic drugs;
- Supporting national efforts to prevent illicit cultivation and strengthening domestic law enforcement capacity.
Personal Perspective on the Middle East
Allow me a brief personal reflection. I had the privilege of serving in Israel for three years, and more broadly, I have spent over ten years working in the Middle East. That experience profoundly shaped my understanding of the region’s complex challenges—particularly the intersection of drug trafficking, transnational crime, and terrorism.
These experiences have deepened Japan’s commitment to addressing drug threats not in isolation, but as part of a broader strategy to support peace, security, and development.
Conclusion
Mr. Chair,
Japan stands ready to continue working closely with UNODC and Member States, driven by shared responsibility and the belief that real-world impacts must remain at the heart of our efforts.
We will keep building on the momentum of our pledges—expanding our regional outreach, strengthening capacities, and upholding the principles of the rule of law for a safer and more resilient world.
I thank you.