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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Government must review the present way of certification: JCP

On the Hiroshima District Court ruling on August 4 in support of Hibakusha's call for the government rejection of certification of Hibakusha's illnesses as A-bomb -related to be revoked, Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Councilors, Koike Akira on the same day issued the following statement:

With the 61st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima (August 6) a couple of days away, the Hiroshima District Court ruled that all 41 plaintiffs in a joint action lawsuit should be recognized as Hibakusha with atomic bomb diseases. This represents a total victory for Hibakusha, the second after the earlier Osaka District Court ruling and once again reveals how unacceptable the government criteria for the certification are.

Pointing out that the effect of radiation on humans have not been fully established and that the criteria for the certification of Hibakusha's illnesses as atomic bomb-related are insufficient, the Hiroshima District Court said that requiring Hibakusha to establish how they are affected by radiation is tantamount to forcing them to prove something impossible. The court has repeated the view repeatedly expressed by courts in previous lawsuits, namely that certification should be based on comprehensive information, including the circumstances in which they were bombed as well as their health problems.

The state, which has lost the lawsuit over again, must not delay relieving Hibakusha and must not appeal the recent ruling to the high court. It must accept the ruling and withdraw its appeal to the Osaka District Court Ruling and set out to review and improve without delay the present administration for certification of Hibakusha's illnesses as caused by atomic bomb radiation.

The Hibakusha who brought their case to court despite their health problems are always concerned for many Hibakusha who have difficulty going to court and speak about their wish for "No More Hibakusha" for the sake of a peaceful future of all humankind. Every Japanese citizen, as well as the Japanese government, must respond to Hibakusha's concerns.

Health minister

Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Kawasaki Jiro on August 6 said the Hiroshima District Court ruling is very important to the government, but stopped short of promising not to appeal to a high court.

Kawasaki stated this in Hiroshima on August 6 during a meeting with the Japan Confederation of A- and H- Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) and six other Hibakusha organizations at a press conference.

Referring to the government losses in the two lawsuits - Osaka and Hiroshima - Kawasaki said, "I recognize that the two court judgments are quite different."

Asked by a reporter if the government will appeal the recent court decision, Kawasaki just said, "We are now examining the ruling. It will be necessary to examine it carefully, comparing it with the Osaka District Court ruling."

He also insisted that the internationally accepted evaluation system should be used for the examination of Hibakusha applying for certification.

In the meeting with Kawasaki, Nihon Hidankyo Director Kaneko Kazushi, said, "Time is running out for Hibakusha. If the government appeals, it will be an outrage against humanity."
- Akahata, August 5 & 7, 2006