SDF dispatch to Haiti on PKO mission called into question

Japan Press Weekly

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

SDF dispatch to Haiti on PKO mission called into question

The government on February 5 decided to send 350 Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) personnel to participate in United Nations peace keeping operation (PKO) in Haiti.

Following the defense minister’s order, the first group of about 160 GSDF servicemen, including GSDF Central Readiness Group members whose main mission is to carry out military operations abroad, will fly to Haiti on February 6. They carry small arms such as rifles and pistols, and will be engaged in U.N. activities by removing debris and preparing the land for the construction of temporary houses.

The government gave the dispatch order to the SDF just 12 days after its decision to participate in a PKO mission in Haiti on January 25. However the government gave no explanation for the failure to meet the five criteria on SDF participation in international peace-keeping operations, including the occurrence of armed conflict, neutrality, and host country’s agreement.

Although the current government stated that Haiti is not under a situation of armed conflict, in the past, the government itself raised a question about whether Haiti’s situation meets the requirement of the five principles.

Carrying out relief operations after natural disasters is of course an urgent need. Thus, the government already sent the SDF’s medical unit as part of international emergency aid activities. The government should have carefully determined if the dispatch of armed forces there is really necessary.

- Akahata, February 6, 2010