Japanese Comfort Women

EDM number 294 in 2007-08, proposed by Lorely Burt on 19/11/2007.
Categorised under the topics of Armed forces, Asia, Human rights, Military operations and Sexual offences.

That this House notes that up to 200,000 women, euphemistically known as comfort women, were forced into sexual servitude before and during World War II by the Japanese Imperial Army; condemns the system of sexual slavery instituted by the Japanese military, which is both a war crime and a crime against humanity; expresses deep concern that after 62 years, survivors of Japan's sexual slavery system are still waiting for justice; welcomes the visit of Gil Won Ok and Ellen van der Ploeg who were among many women used as wartime sex slaves by the Japanese military and who are seeking justice, reparations and a full apology; is dismayed that during their lifetime, survivors have suffered physical and mental ill-health, isolation and shame, and often extreme poverty; and calls upon the UK Government to urge the Japanese government to apologise publicly to the victims for its past actions, provide formal and complete reparations and admit its responsibility in all public records.

This motion has been signed by a total of 37 MPs, 1 of these signatures have been withdrawn.