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Local residents exposed to A-bomb “black rain” pursue “final challenge” for relief measures

by Michiko Tanaka, Staff Writer

On March 23, a joint application for the Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate was made by residents who were exposed to the “black rain” which fell in the aftermath of the atomic bombing but have not been covered by the relief measures implemented by the Japanese government. This is the first step in their efforts to expand this coverage through judicial rulings. “We want the government to recognize that our illnesses have been caused by the atomic bomb,” they said. In the 70th anniversary year of the atomic bombing, these aging A-bomb sufferers, who have been rebuffed by the government in their claims to date, are taking this action as a last resort.

On this day, at the window of the City of Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Department, a line was formed by 36 people who were exposed to the black rain outside the area currently covered by the national relief law. All of them believe that their health was harmed by the radioactive substances contained in the rain. At a press conference held after their application was filed, they made such comments as “I’ve suffered from one disease after another” and “Even when I’ve told the government the facts of my situation, I wasn’t believed.”

The number of participants in the joint application is 42 in all, including those who will complete the procedure at the Hiroshima prefectural office on March 24. The Hiroshima Prefecture Atomic Bomb Black Rain Council, which has taken the lead in this action, said, “The number of people is more than expected. This shows that there is considerable anger at the government.” It is highly likely that their application for the certificate will be rejected. If such a judgment is made, the applicants will file suit against the government to seek a reversal of this decision. By winning the lawsuit, goes their strategy, the certificate will then be issued for residents outside the area covered by the national relief law, resulting in an expansion of this designated area.

The council has been making the same appeal to the central government since its predecessor was established in 1978. Supported by the voices of residents, both Hiroshima City and Hiroshima Prefecture have been asking for the black rain area covered by the national relief law to be expanded. In 2010, based on a survey of residents, they requested that the area be broadened to a size six times the current area. Despite this, a committee composed of experts, formed by the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry concluded that “there is little scientific basis for their complaints.” The central government stood by this judgment.

The ages of the 42 applicants range from 70 to 90. The council once totaled around 1,000 members at its peak, but now has only about 600 members because some have passed away or given up on the idea of expanding the area designated for relief. At the press conference, one member said, “This is our final challenge.”

(Originally published on March 24, 2015)

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