Dili, February 24, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The HAK Association called on the Japanese government to acknowledge and apologize to the victims of sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II, the statement was delivered at the February 20, 2025 Commemoration held in Largo Lecidere.
In the introduction, the Executive Director of HAK, Feliciano da Costa Araújo said that as we all know that in World War II we only heard information that the United States attacked Japan, hearing this history as a country that people always say has very great power, but wants to convey to all of us that Timor-Leste was also affected by this war in 1942-1945 which resulted in 21 women becoming victims of sexual slavery by the Japanese military at that time.
“This commemoration is to remind us, especially the younger generation, to be more familiar with history like this, especially to raise the dignity of our nation or to glorify 21 of our women, but they have all passed away, only one person is still alive, which is Ines who lives in Ermera, Atsabe, since then we can recognize them as our ancestors who then led us to serve until we were independent.” Said the Executive Director of HAK
He continued that from ancient times until now there are still many women who are victims in conditions like this, from this commemoration can wake all citizens up, especially the Japanese government, to acknowledge the suffering of victims who experienced sexual slavery not only in Timor-Leste but also in countries such as the Philippines, China, Korea, he wants to convey to some people who still do not know this place, that this is a sign of Japan’s existence in Timor Leste.
“We continue to wake up the government to put up a sign that as a symbol can show that this is a commemoration of the Massacre of the suffering of our women, besides that the HAK association feels that the Timor-Leste government needs to pay good attention to this history.” He said.
He added that from a commemoration like this we want to make the government aware, so far there are three things that are essential from the HAK association, namely one, the HAK association continues to demand the Japanese government to acknowledge the situation that has occurred, informally the Japanese government must apologize to the people of Timor-Leste, especially to the women who were their slaves at that time, second, also ask the country of Timor-Leste how to submit this problem to the education curriculum, third or the last one asks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs how to make all parties work together to convey that this memory is a memory that is still remembered by all parties, do not close it with the words that the past must be forgotten, but must acknowledge and apologize.
On the other hand, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), Virgilio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan” said that today’s celebration is to remember the dark times during the Japanese Military occupation that occurred in 1942-1945, previous events such as leaving us with various crimes of sexual slavery in this country.
“For three years, young Timorese women have experienced sexual violence that I think we cannot imagine, not only in Timor-Leste, in other countries this violence has also occurred as a generation that was a victim during the invasion, we not only represent their voices but also represent their spirit if during their lives they do not get justice for themselves, for their suffering, for their struggle, as the next generation, representing their spirit to fight for justice for them.” He said.
He continued, this struggle is not easy, today is a very important day because we gather in this place to remember the suffering they faced in fighting back the struggle they have done to gain recognition and justice. Therefore, through this commemoration, let’s continue to fight for justice in the past and continue to fight against behavior that discriminates against women in society, as service providers who are committed to continuing to fight against such behavior.
Reported by : Domingas
Picture by : Domingas