### 6. Conflict, Disaster, and Development

## (1) Conflict and Development

The end of the Cold War did not bring an end to the regional conflicts that continue to create serious human rights problems and wreak havoc on the environment, thereby eroding the gains of past development efforts. Conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict peacekeeping and reconstruction represent crucial challenges to the global community. For example, Japan has provided assistance to the Palestinian people in connection with the Middle Eastern peace process. $ ^{*20} $ Henceforth, Japan must play an active role in conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction.

In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.

-For the purpose of conflict prevention, Japan will emphasize measures aimed at the problems of poverty and socially vulnerable populations which provide the backdrop for conflict. Similarly, Japan will focus on "good governance," including the equitable and appropriate distribution of resources; the protection of human rights; the establishment of appropriate political and economic systems and processes; and the reinforcement of administrative capacities.

-With regard to the problem of refugees resulting from conflicts, Japan will actively provide emergency humanitarian aid to assist neighboring countries affected by the influx of refugees. $ ^{*21} $ In this process, Japan will pay due attention to the important role played by NGOs.

-With regard to post-conflict peace-keeping and reconstruction, Japan will actively support the resettlement and social rehabilitation of refugees and former combatants.

-Japan will support the establishment of equitable political and economic systems and the reinforcement of administrative capacities. Similarly, Japan will provide assistance for the development of infrastructure indispensable to national integration and economic reconstruction.

Anti-personnel landmines placed in regions of conflict and left underground present a serious and indiscriminate threat to the general populace. They are a grave concern, not only because they have been causing indiscriminate and various casualties (casualties) among civilians but they also present a serious barrier to post-conflict reconstruction and development, thereby preventing the resettlement of people and rural development, among other problems. In March 1997, Japan hosted the Tokyo Conference on Anti-Personnel Landmines which resulted in the "Tokyo Guidelines," including the ultimate goal of achieving "Zero Victims." In December 1997, Japan proposed its "Zero Victim Pro-gram" $ ^{*22} $ for the clearance of anti-personnel landmines and the support of victims.

In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.

-Japan will support landmine clearance through the provision of clearance-related equipment and other measures.

-Japan will act to strengthen emergency medical and rehabilitation systems.

-Japan will provide support to landmine victims through social rehabilitation and job training programs.

-Japan will emphasize cooperation with other donor countries, international organizations, and NGOs.

## (2) Disaster Prevention and Post-Disaster Reconstruction

Natural disasters can destroy the livelihoods of people and most seriously affect impoverished persons, whose livelihoods are particularly vulnerable. Abnormal climatic conditions in recent years have increased the incidence of natural disasters throughout the world. Japan has dispatched 46 Japan Disaster Relief Teams to 23 countries to provide emergency disaster aid and to cope with disaster-related humanitarian problems.

In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.

-Drawing on its own experiences in countermeasures against landslides, floods, earthquakes and tidal waves, Japan will continue to actively provide emergency assistance for disasters and support for post-disaster reconstruction through the dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Teams and other means. Japan will also provide support for disaster prevention and land preservation.

### 7. Responding to Issues of Debt Relief

The economic development of the least developed countries of sub-Saharan Africa is seriously hampered by the problem of outstanding foreign debt, presenting a problem that cannot be ignored by the international community. Japan has provided active support for debt rescheduling and grant aid for debt relief. $ ^{*23} $

In light of the decision taken at the Cologne Summit in June 1999, $ ^{*24} $ Japan will cooperate with other donor countries and international organizations to provide assistance for the resolution of the debt problem so that heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs) and other low-income countries may achieve long-term economic self-reliance.

In light of the above, Japan will provide the following