Japan cites need to address root cause of conflict in BARMM 

The Japanese government on Tuesday highlighted the need to address the causes of conflict in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as it reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to the peace process in the Philippines.

“We need to address root causes of conflicts to establish durable peace. This includes unaddressed grievances and inequalities, weak governance, and socio-economic challenges,” Ambassador Endo Kazuya said in a press release amid the observation of the National Peace Consciousness Month.

Kazuya mentioned the three pillars of Japan’s assistance to the Mindanao Peace Process: capacity building for the political transition of the Bangsamoro Government; support for the normalization process; and development of socio-economic infrastructure.

He said these development assistance aims to promote long-term stability and improve the well-being of communities on the ground. 

''By advancing development, Japan seeks to lay a stronger foundation for lasting peace in the region,'' he said. 

Kazuya said Japan has been a champion of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace, or HDP, Nexus approach, which seeks to enhance the coordination, collaboration and coherence of humanitarian, development and peace actions.

''We have actively promoted global peacebuilding through a multifaceted approach. This involves Official Development Assistance focused on human security and post-conflict capacity building,” Kazuya said. 

The envoy further highlighted the importance of major stakeholders being united by a shared and forward-looking goal to promote lasting peace in the region. 

To recall, Japan has since been involved in community development activities in the region. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA Integrated News