Sorry To Victims Of Forced Sterilization, Japanese PM Kishida: Violation Of Human Rights That Step On Dignity

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. (Wikimedia Commons/)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday apologized directly to the victims of forced sterilization carried out under the now-implemented eugonic protection law. "The government's responsibility is very serious," PM Kishida told the victims at a meeting at the prime minister's office.

"I sincerely apologize," he said.

"The old law is an unforgivable violation of human rights that trampled on the dignity of individuals," said PM Kishida.

Citing Kyodo News, Japan's highest court ruled the law was unconstitutional, the government had to pay compensation to the plaintiffs.

In what is often referred to as the worst human rights violation in World War II history in Japan, the law allows people with intellectual defects, mental illness or congenital disorders to be sterilized without their consent to prevent the birth of "inferior" offspring.

When meeting with the victims, PM Kishida said, "With deep regret, at least 25,000 people have suffered heavy losses as a result of being sterilized," under the eugenic law, which took effect between 1948 and 1996.

This is the first time PM Kishida has directly apologized to the victims since the Supreme Court said on July 3 that a 20-year-old time limiting law for unlawful acts does not apply to cases involving the law, in an important decision on five lawsuits.

In front of more than 100 plaintiffs, lawyers and supporters, PM Kishida said, "I have instructed the investigation to reach a conclusion as soon as possible about the form of compensation. I will make every effort to resolve this issue as quickly as possible."

It is known that the plaintiffs, who filed lawsuits in five district courts in Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe, were among a total of 39 people who had demanded compensation in similar lawsuits in 11 district courts and a branch court since 2018.

Meanwhile, four out of five cases, the high court won the plaintiff and ordered the government to pay 11 million yen to 16.5 million yen for each victim and 2.2 million yen for the dead pair.

This amount is much larger than the state compensation of 3.2 million yen given to anyone undergoing forced sterilization under a law passed in April 2019. About 1,100 people have been certified to receive the money.