President of Japan Federation of Bar Associations calls problem of radiation exposure a human rights violation
Oct. 7, 2013
by Daisuke Neishi, Staff Writer
On October 2, Kenji Yamagishi, president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, held a news conference in downtown Hiroshima and explained the purpose of the 56th Convention on Protection of Human Rights, to be held at the International Conference Center Hiroshima on October 3 and 4. Referring to the issue of eliminating human rights violations, caused by radiation exposure, one of the three themes of this convention, he stressed that it will be of great significance to consider this issue in the A-bombed city of Hiroshima.
Mr. Yamagishi brought up the radiation exposure that has resulted from the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 (Daiichi) nuclear power plant, pointing out that those affected by the nuclear disaster have faced tremendous infringements on their human rights, having no idea when they might be able to return to their hometowns or what sort of damage their health may suffer. He added, “We would like to consider these issues from a legal standpoint, too, including an extension of the right to claim compensation for damages from the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the taxing of this compensation.”
The conventions will adopt a resolution after lawyers from across Japan exchange views on issues related to human rights violations. Seeking to resolve these problems, the conventions will also appeal to the Japanese government, among other entities. This is the second such convention to be held in Hiroshima since 1969. In addition to the problem of radiation exposure, the participants will also discuss such issues as the potential revision of Japan’s Constitution and the economic disparity of Japanese society.
On October 3, a symposium will be convened, and discussions will be held on radiation exposure in the first section meeting, from noon to 7 p.m., and on the other two themes in the second and third section meetings from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Activities on October 3 can be freely viewed by the public, though the event on October 4 is open to lawyers only.
(Originally published on October 3, 2013)
On October 2, Kenji Yamagishi, president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, held a news conference in downtown Hiroshima and explained the purpose of the 56th Convention on Protection of Human Rights, to be held at the International Conference Center Hiroshima on October 3 and 4. Referring to the issue of eliminating human rights violations, caused by radiation exposure, one of the three themes of this convention, he stressed that it will be of great significance to consider this issue in the A-bombed city of Hiroshima.
Mr. Yamagishi brought up the radiation exposure that has resulted from the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 (Daiichi) nuclear power plant, pointing out that those affected by the nuclear disaster have faced tremendous infringements on their human rights, having no idea when they might be able to return to their hometowns or what sort of damage their health may suffer. He added, “We would like to consider these issues from a legal standpoint, too, including an extension of the right to claim compensation for damages from the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the taxing of this compensation.”
The conventions will adopt a resolution after lawyers from across Japan exchange views on issues related to human rights violations. Seeking to resolve these problems, the conventions will also appeal to the Japanese government, among other entities. This is the second such convention to be held in Hiroshima since 1969. In addition to the problem of radiation exposure, the participants will also discuss such issues as the potential revision of Japan’s Constitution and the economic disparity of Japanese society.
On October 3, a symposium will be convened, and discussions will be held on radiation exposure in the first section meeting, from noon to 7 p.m., and on the other two themes in the second and third section meetings from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Activities on October 3 can be freely viewed by the public, though the event on October 4 is open to lawyers only.
(Originally published on October 3, 2013)
