WASHINGTON, April 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Amnesty International and 121 Coalition members will hold a dignity march on Thursday, April 26 at 1 PM in front of the White House to urge Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo to acknowledge the role of the Japanese government in organizing the enslavement and rape of 200,000 girls and women during World War II.
The silent, peaceful walk is for the dignity of the "comfort station" survivors and also girls and women everywhere who have suffered or are now suffering from rape, violence and human trafficking. The victims were referred to as "comfort women," but they were mostly school girls under 18, with some as young as 12. During their years of captivity, these girls and women endured gang rape, mutilation, disease, and brutal violence. Many did not survive. A former "comfort woman," Young Soo Lee, will be in attendance at the march.
Over the decades, Japanese officials have issued ambiguous statements that fail to acknowledge the historical record. They have never made a clear apology. Recently, Prime Minister Abe has alarmed the international community by launching a campaign to deny that the government was directly involved.
In addition, Amnesty International sent a letter to President Bush calling on him to raise this issue during his talks with Abe in Washington on Thursday.
Details for the Dignity March What: National Dignity March When: Thursday, April 26, 1:00 to 1:30 PM (EDT) Where: In front of the White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC NOTE: Participants will gather across from the White House in Lafayette Park
For a copy of the Amnesty International letter to President Bush or more information, please contact Sharon Singh at 202.544.0200 x 302.
Amnesty International
CONTACT: Sharon Singh of Amnesty International, +1-202-544-0200 x302
