Statement
December 29, 2015
STATEMENT ON THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC
OF KOREA AND JAPAN ON “COMFORT WOMEN”
"We, the International Parliamentary Coalition for Victims of Sexual Slavery (IPCVSS),
are pleased about the recent advancement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and
the Government of Japan on the issue of ‘comfort women’.
“The agreement announced on Monday, December 28th, marked an important milestone
with an apology from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the establishment of a foundation for the
purpose of providing support for the surviving ‘comfort women’ through a one-time contribution
from the Japanese Government.
“We encourage Japan to implement the measures outlined in the agreement immediately
to restore the honour and dignity of the ‘comfort women’ who were victimized as sexual slaves
by the Japanese military during their military expansion in Asia (from the 1930s to the end of
WWII).
"However, in order to ensure that the 'comfort women' issue does not become sidelined in
the annals of history and to prevent such atrocities from being perpetrated by another regime, we
urge that this issue be appropriately and accurately integrated in Japanese textbooks and
educational materials. Furthermore, memorials established in remembrance of the young girls
and women who were sexually enslaved during WWII must be respected.
“This agreement is a step in the right direction. Only a complete and comprehensive
resolution of the Japanese military’s 'comfort women' issue will fully honour these women and
serve as a model for addressing the issue of girls’ and women’s wartime human rights for future
generations.
“IPCVSS shares the view that restoration of honour and dignity of victims is mandatory.
In the spirit of cooperation and for our future generations, we commit to building an international
community free from sexual violence in all its forms.”
The IPCVSS is a coalition of parliamentarians from around the world whose mandate is to raise
the awareness of the international community to the issue of modern day slavery, the
infringement of human rights and the sexual violence against all persons in conflict zones and
affected regions of natural disasters both historically and currently.
Article by Fiona Bruce July 2015
Modern Slavery Act
Modern slavery is an appaling crime that has no place in today's society. Tackling human trafficking in all its forms is vital to bringing this abhorrent exploitation of human beings to an end.
The introduction of the Modern Slavery Act - the first of its kind in Europe - reflects the UK Government's determination to lead the global fight against this evil. The Act demonstrates that the Government will not tolerate slavery or human trafficking within, or into, the UK.
The legislation of the Act gives law enforcers the powers they need to successfully prosecute those involved in propagating human trafficking, including a provision to allow the courts to give life sentences to perpetrators and the ability to confiscate the proceeds of their crimes and compensate their victims using it. At the same time, the Act enhances protection for victims in a number of ways, such as providing a defence for victims of modern slavery who are forced to commit offences.
Furthermore, the Act has seen the creation of the UK's first ever Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to spearhead the fight against modern slavery, with a remit focused on strengthening law enforcement efforts both here an overseas, as well as helping to ensure that public authorities identify and support slavery victims effectively.
The Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Theresa May, has stated that legislation is only part of the solution in combating the complex problem of modern slavery, adding that "it also requires tireless and coordinated effort across government and law enforcement, work with other countries to tackle the problem at source, and increased awareness within all communities."
