## Project for Improvement of Equipment for Maritime Security Enhancement in Malaysia

Approximately one in three large global-shipping vessels pass through the Straits of Malacca, and there are many incidents of piracy there. Strengthening the security system for the waters off the coast of Malaysia including the Straits of Malacca has become an issue. Through Grant Aid for Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism and Security Enhancement, Japan has provided small speed boats, night-vision equipment, and other items that the Malaysian Marine Police Force needs for maritime security.

## Project of Art Therapy for Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings

In 2008, Japan held an art camp in Thailand through the UNODC to provide psychological care for victims of human trafficking. The art camp provides opportunities for people to learn how to express themselves through stage performance, singing, water-color painting, and clay modeling based on art therapy, and it is aimed at healing the emotional scars of victims and reintegrating them back into society. The young brothers who participated from a victim rehabilitation center in Chiang Mai had not smiled very often, but they smiled a lot as they took part in this program.

### 4. Peacebuilding

Since the end of the Cold War, the international community has confronted numerous regional and internal/intrastate conflicts arising from ethnic, religious, or historical differences. Such conflicts generate a great number of refugees and internally displaced persons and easily become humanitarian and human rights issues. Moreover, such conflicts destroy many achievements gained through

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As for specific efforts, Japan has provided assistance, including refugee assistance and food aid in times of conflict, and assistance in the area of the peace process, such as election assistance. Assistance is provided in the aftermath of conflicts, to ensure domestic security and safety, with the aim of consolidating peace, including assistance to the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of former soldiers and reconstruction efforts in the security sector. Additionally, Japan has supported reconstruction by promoting efforts for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons and their resettlement, as well as by restoring basic infrastructure.

Furthermore, in order to establish consolidated peace and prevent the rise of another conflict, efforts are made in the social sector such as in health and education, as well as years of development efforts and cause massive economic loss. In light of this, the UN General Assembly and the Security Council jointly adopted a resolution to establish the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in 2005. The PBC makes advice and proposals based on a consistent approach, beginning with resolution of conflicts and continuing to recovery, reconstruction, and nation-building.

toward improving economic infrastructure, and strengthening governmental, judicial, and police functions. Japan combines assistance provided via multilateral organizations with bilateral assistance, such as grant aid, technical cooperation, and loan aid, in order to provide this type of seamless assistance.

In June 2007, Japan was selected as the chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission due to its efforts in the area of peacebuilding to date. During its term as the chair until December 2008, Japan made efforts to strengthen and consolidate the activities of the Commission, including strengthening collaboration with the United Nations Security Council, enhancing relations with the World Bank, IMF, and regional organizations, and spurring interest in and calling for support for target countries.