Hiroshima group that supports A-bomb survivors in South Korea applies for A-bomb certification as proxy
May 25, 2009
by Hiromi Morita, Staff Writer
On May 21, a citizens’ group in Hiroshima that supports atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) in South Korea filed an application with the City of Hiroshima for A-bomb disease certification on behalf of a Korean man who cannot come to Japan due to illness. Hibakusha overseas are required to visit Japan to file an application for this certification. The supporters of hibakusha in Korea are considering whether to file a lawsuit if the Japanese government, which will screen the application materials, turns down the application on the grounds that the applicant is not fulfilling the requirement of visiting Japan.
In regard to the support for hibakusha overseas, the revised Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law, which took effect last December, has made it possible for hibakusha overseas to apply for the Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate from countries or regions where they reside. If they obtain the certificate, they can apply for a variety of allowances, including an allowance for health care, from the same location. Still, the revised Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law stipulates that hibakusha overseas must come to Japan to apply for A-bomb disease certification, which is a prerequisite for receiving a special medical allowance.
On May 21, four people, including Keisaburo Toyonaga, 73, director of the Hiroshima branch of the Association of Citizens for the Support of South Korean Atomic Bomb Victims, visited the Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Department of the City of Hiroshima. They submitted the application materials for A-bomb disease certification on behalf of Han Ju Suk, 72, who lives in Daegu City and has been suffering from esophageal cancer. Mr. Han was eight years old when he was exposed to the atomic bombing at a place 1.8 kilometers from the hypocenter. With Mr. Toyonaga’s support, he had planned to visit Japan in March to apply for the Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate. However, Mr. Han suddenly became ill before his scheduled visit.
At a news conference, Mr. Toyonaga emphasized the fact that the addendum to the revised Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law obliges consideration in regard to the procedure and necessary measures for filing the application. “I hope the Japanese government will recognize the dire situation of those who are required to come to Japan despite their serious illnesses and will immediately improve the situation,” he argued.
(Originally published on May 22, 2009)
Related articles
Fewer applications than expected for A-bomb Survivor’s Certificate from overseas (March 20, 2009)
Lawsuit considered to allow A-bomb survivors to apply for A-bomb disease certification from overseas (Feb. 26, 2009)
Hurdles remain for issuing the A-bomb Survivor’s Certificate to survivors overseas (Feb. 5, 2009)
On May 21, a citizens’ group in Hiroshima that supports atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) in South Korea filed an application with the City of Hiroshima for A-bomb disease certification on behalf of a Korean man who cannot come to Japan due to illness. Hibakusha overseas are required to visit Japan to file an application for this certification. The supporters of hibakusha in Korea are considering whether to file a lawsuit if the Japanese government, which will screen the application materials, turns down the application on the grounds that the applicant is not fulfilling the requirement of visiting Japan.
In regard to the support for hibakusha overseas, the revised Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law, which took effect last December, has made it possible for hibakusha overseas to apply for the Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate from countries or regions where they reside. If they obtain the certificate, they can apply for a variety of allowances, including an allowance for health care, from the same location. Still, the revised Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law stipulates that hibakusha overseas must come to Japan to apply for A-bomb disease certification, which is a prerequisite for receiving a special medical allowance.
On May 21, four people, including Keisaburo Toyonaga, 73, director of the Hiroshima branch of the Association of Citizens for the Support of South Korean Atomic Bomb Victims, visited the Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Department of the City of Hiroshima. They submitted the application materials for A-bomb disease certification on behalf of Han Ju Suk, 72, who lives in Daegu City and has been suffering from esophageal cancer. Mr. Han was eight years old when he was exposed to the atomic bombing at a place 1.8 kilometers from the hypocenter. With Mr. Toyonaga’s support, he had planned to visit Japan in March to apply for the Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate. However, Mr. Han suddenly became ill before his scheduled visit.
At a news conference, Mr. Toyonaga emphasized the fact that the addendum to the revised Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law obliges consideration in regard to the procedure and necessary measures for filing the application. “I hope the Japanese government will recognize the dire situation of those who are required to come to Japan despite their serious illnesses and will immediately improve the situation,” he argued.
(Originally published on May 22, 2009)
Related articles
Fewer applications than expected for A-bomb Survivor’s Certificate from overseas (March 20, 2009)
Lawsuit considered to allow A-bomb survivors to apply for A-bomb disease certification from overseas (Feb. 26, 2009)
Hurdles remain for issuing the A-bomb Survivor’s Certificate to survivors overseas (Feb. 5, 2009)
