Hibakusha demands prime minister’s political decision to help conclude lawsuits over recognition of A-bomb related illnesses

   Representatives of Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) plaintiffs in the lawsuits seeking recognition as patients of A-bomb related illnesses met on January 10 in Tokyo to release a document urging Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo to take action to help Hibakusha achieve their demands.

In the document entitled “Plaintiffs’ Resolution and Appeal” Hibakuha demanded that the government: (1) revise the system of recognizing the illnesses of Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) as caused by exposure to radiation from the atomic bombings; (2) recognize Hibakusha’s cancer and leukemia as A-bomb related without condition; (3) accept the court rulings determining various diseases as A-bomb related; (4) overhaul the Health Ministry’s panel in charge of examination of Hibakusha’s application for recognition; and (5) revoke its earlier rejections of Hibakusha’s application for recognition as patients with A-bomb related ilnesses.

   Referring to new criteria now being considered by the government, the Hibakusha made clear that they may reject any criteria that are short of extensively relieving Hibakusha and expressed determination to appeal to the public for an early settlement of the current lawsuit. They also said they will demand a revision to the A-bomb Victim Assistance Law in case all Hibakusha cannot be relieved under the law.

  Currently the Health Ministry is working on a new set of criteria based on two plans drawn up by the ministry’s panel and the ruling parties’ project team in December 2007.
- Akahata, January 11, 2008