GENEVA - UN experts* today expressed grave concern at the continued lack of justice for survivors of the so-called 'comfort women' system established and controlled by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
"Nearly 80 years on, victims and their families continue to face the denial of their right to truth, justice, reparation and memorialisation," the experts said.
Up to 200,000 women and girls were reportedly subjected to trafficking, rape and sexual slavery, as well as to arbitrary deprivation of liberty and, in certain cases, to enforced disappearance, in the 'comfort women' system, the experts noted. Most survivors from the Republic of Korea, China, the Netherlands, Timor-Leste, Indonesia and the Philippines, among others, have passed away and those who remain are of advanced age.
"Previous efforts to address this issue, such as the 2015 bilateral agreement between Japan and the Republic of Korea, have failed to deliver survivor-centered justice," they said.
"States have an obligation to ensure access to justice and reparations for victims, and diplomatic agreements should not substitute or preclude individual pursuits of accountability."
The experts further underscored that States from which the victims and survivors originate likewise bear clear obligations to facilitate their access to justice and redress.
"While we welcome the responses received from several States to our communications on this matter, we reiterate that survivors require proactive and sustained support," they said. "This includes providing legal aid and other forms of practical assistance, preserving and, where appropriate, declassifying relevant records and engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing accountability."
The experts noted that several survivors and their family members have brought lawsuits in their national courts and in Japan. "Such efforts should be encouraged and supported as legitimate means to secure recognition and reparation for grave human rights violations," they said.
"Sovereign immunity should not serve as grounds to waive accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity."
The experts called on Japan to recognise and fulfil survivors' rights to justice, reparations and full and effective remedy, including through official apologies, adequate compensation and guarantees of non-repetition. They stressed the importance of preserving historical memory through educational materials, memorials and commemoration.
"The denial of atrocities by high-level officials and the harassment of victims, survivor-led organisations, academics and journalists, seriously undermine efforts towards accountability and redress," they added.
"Victims and survivors have waited decades for recognition, apologies and remedy," the experts said.
"We urge all relevant States to act without further delay."
The experts have been in contact with the Governments of Japan, Republic of Korea, China, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Netherlands, and the Philippines on these matters.
