The YWCA of Japan call for Unconditional Return of the Futenma Airbase, Okinawa
The Govenor of Okinawa recently expressed his intention to permit the
reclamation of Henoko bay, a sea of environmenal riches dwelled by coral
reef and endangered dugongs, in order to build a new U.S. military base
intended by the Japanese and U.S. Governments. For a long time, local
residents including Okinawa YWCA members have desperately opposed
to this destruction of environment and further infringement of people’s
human rights.
The YWCA of Japan issued a letter to the Governor and the Japanese
Government protesting this move, and demanding revision of the unequal
Japan-U.S. military treaty which has forced vast U.S. bases on the small
islands of Okinawa.
Human rights violations including violence against women around military
bases are not only a matter in Okinawa or Japan; instead, it is a shared problem everywhere where there
are military bases.
The YWCA of Japan and the National YWCA of Korea will hold a Conference
next week from 22nd to 25th January 2014 in Okinawa, under the theme
“Peace in East Asia and Collaboration between YWCAs of Japan and Korea”,
and is also planning to hold a National gathering in Okinawa in early
2015.The YWCA of Japan is willing to work with sisters around the world to
tackle human rights problems surrounding military bases.
