Hibakusha Aid Law must be applied to overseas A-bomb survivors: Hibakusha at sit-in

Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) and their supporters carried out a two day sit-in in front of the building of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on June 12 and 13 to urge the government to apply the Hibakusha Aid Law to all hibakusha (atomic-bomb survivors) who now live abroad.

About 80 people took part in the sit-in at the call of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bombs Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) and the Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Gensuikyo).

Kwak Kwi Hun, a 77 year-old Korean, had received health care allowances from the Osaka Prefectural Government under the Hibakusha Aid Law. But when he returned home, the government stopped the payment. Dissatisfied with this, Kwak filed a suit with the Osaka District Court against the local government, maintaining that the payment should be continued. The court on June 1 upheld Kwak's claim.

In 1974, the then Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a director's circular, stating: "The Hibakusha Aid Law is not applicable to a-bomb survivors who now reside abroad." The Osaka government then stopped paying the allowance to Kwak.

A participant in the sit-in said, "It's a shame for the Law to be placed under a ministry director's circular! Kwak was drafted by the Japanese imperial government and became victim to the atomic bombing. The Japanese government is responsible for paying reparations to him."

Participants shouted in unison, "The government should not appeal to the higher court. Immediately pay health care allowances to Kwak!" (end)