Hidankyo to bring action against government

A-bomb survivors (Hibakusha) decided to organize a class-action lawsuit demanding that the government take measures to recognize Hibakusha's illness as caused by A-bomb radiation.

The decision was taken by the Japan Confederation of A and H Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hidankyo) at its 47th general meeting held June 4 and 5 in Tokyo.

Plaintiffs will be Hibakusha who have suffered from illness apparently caused by the atomic bombing but were never recognized as A-bomb-related by the government. In order to get a health-care certificate for Hibakusha, they will bring the case to court in July.

This year's Hidankyo meeting also stressed the importance of Hibakusha taking a lead in the struggle for the elimination of nuclear weapons by making the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and after-effects known to as many people as possible. This is important particularly at a time when the Bush Administration is publicly promoting the possibility of use of nuclear weapons.

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo sent a message to the Hidankyo meeting, stating that the struggle of Hidankyo calling for no more Hibakusha has contributed to unifying international efforts to get nuclear weapons eliminated. The struggle has become even more important since the Bush Administration announced the possible use of nuclear weapons, he added.

Shii called on Hidankyo to jointly struggle with the JCP against the wartime legislation.

Pointing out that the Koizumi Cabinet is strengthening its support for U.S. policy on nuclear weapons, Chief Representative Yamaguchi Senji stated, "The wartime legislation will make us suffer from war again. Hibakusha must be the first to raise voices against the bills."

As the action policy of Hidankyo for this year, the chair proposed increasing the struggle against the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review, keep on working to tell the world about the Hibakusha's tragedy, and urge the central and local governments to legislate the Three Non-nuclear Principles. (end)