GA December 21, 2001 Statement on the CW Bill

The Global Alliance wishes to express its hearty support for the re-introduction of the Bill for the victims of sexual coercion by the Japanese Forces to the House of Councilors on November 14, 2001. The Honorable Shoji Motooka and members of three opposition parties who took the lead in this initiative are to be applauded for their efforts in this regard.

We understand that in March 2000, a Bill entitled, “Promotion of Resolution for Issues concerning Victims of Wartime Sexual Coercion Act ”, was first submitted by the Democratic Party. The same bill was re-submitted on March 2001, through the united efforts of three opposition parties. It is now being submitted for the third time, giving rise to the hope that a resolution of this issue is within reach.

Despite the Japan Federation of Bar Associations’ recommendation that the issue of compensation for the “comfort women” be settled by legislative measures, the government demurred, citing as reason all war obligations had been settled through postwar treaties and agreements. The successful re-introduction clearly shows that the bill does not violate any treaty or constitutional provisions of the Japan. Instead, it trumpets that a legislative movement is well under way for an official apology and state compensation for the victims of military sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

The passage of this bill will further send a message to the Japanese government that it could no longer evade its moral and legal obligations for atrocities it committed during the Asia-Pacific War. The bill itself will serve as a model for future legislation to redress victims of other types of Japanese atrocities during WW II, including the slave laborers.

It is in this regard that the Global Alliance for Preserving the History of WW II in Asia welcomes the introduction of this bill. We enjoin the Diet to heed the conclusions reached by the independent investigations by the UN Special Rapporteurs Coomaraswamy and McDougall. We believe the Diet should take the political solution offered by this bill and strongly urge the bill’s speedy passage to end the current impasse concerning the issue.

The Global Alliance for Preserving the History of WW II in Asia is an umbrella organization of over 40 worldwide grassroots organizations. We aim to preserve the historical truth of the Asia‑Pacific War (1931‑1945) so as to secure justice for victims, safeguard humanity from repeating mistakes of the past, and bring about genuine reconciliation and lasting peace among all people. For more information about our organization, visit the website at www.GAinfo.org.