Japan Press Weekly

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2024 June 26 - July 2 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Hibakusha ask JCP for cooperation in realizing state compensation for all A-bomb damages

The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) on June 25 met with Japanese Communist Party parliamentarians, including JCP Chair Tamura Tomoko (Upper House), and handed them a written request demanding that state compensation be provided for A-bomb damages and that a world without nuclear weapons be realized.

Hidankyo in its document criticized the existing Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) aid law for failing to adopt the principle of state compensation. It pointed out that since the atomic bombings in August 1945, not only Hibakusha, but also A-bomb victim orphans (children whose parents died in the atomic bombings), bereaved families of the victims, and second-generation Hibakusha have been experiencing various hardships and suffering. Hidankyo called for establishing a new aid law that stipulates the principle of state compensation. It also called for the promotion of Diet discussions aimed at banning and abolishing nuclear arms as well as for Japan’s ratification of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

At the talks held in the Lower House members’ office building, Tamura expressed her support for Hidankyo’s demands. Showing her respect, Tamura said that Hibakusha have been devoting all their energy to achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons and obtaining state compensation and formal apology for A-bomb damages while they are alive.

Tamura said, “As proposed by Hidankyo, it is important to discuss measures to provide state compensation for A-bomb damages. The JCP will exchange views with Hidankyo regarding this matter.”

Hibakusha, who participated in the talks with the JCP, made some demands, such as taking action to deal with the decreasing number of doctors familiar with writing the initial medical certificate needed to apply for a health management allowance.

Past related article:
> Hibakusha calls on gov’t for state compensation for A-bomb damage [June 22, 2024]