Proclamation for the 800th
Wednesday Demonstration for the Resolution
of the Japanese Military’s “Comfort Women” Issue.

We gather today in one voice for the 800th time in recognition of the numerous women whose rights have been violated and are still being violated by the results of war.

Our first step began in January, 1992 as a small movement and now we stand before you 16 years later.  Today, our Wednesday Demonstrations are not only a forum for those who yearn for peace and fight for human rights, but it is also a place where history can be learned.  Wednesday Demonstrations, themselves serve as lessons for the history of peace.  It is a place where many have gathered in spite of age, gender, and ethnic differences to boldly request the restoration of honor for the victims and for justice to be realized.

Unfortunately, the Japanese government continues to disregard the fervent voices of the peaceful demonstrators.  In addition, they have gone further and come forth about their intent to rewrite history regarding the war.

The Japanese government must realize that the Japanese Military’s “Comfort Women” resolutions passed in the U.S., Netherlands, Canada, and the E.U. are firm warnings directed at the Japanese government from the international society. The Japanese government must formally apologize, reveal the truth, acknowledge their crimes and take legal responsibility for the war crimes committed by them before the victims of their atrocity without further hesitation.

The quiet strength of solidarity as well as the united power of women which have brought us thus far-to the 800th Wednesday Demonstration-will continue to spur us on to spread the truth about the “comfort women” issue until it becomes finally resolved.  Our goal is to end the continuation of the atrocities of war and replace that history with a history of peace where human rights are respected, where the oppression and suffering of women no longer exist. 

Our 800th demonstration confirms the fact that the truth which has been buried-by the history fabricated by those in power-ultimately will be revealed and justice will prevail.  We want to clarify that our requests and proclamations will continue until the day that the Japanese government comes forth to take responsibility for their war crimes.  Finally we request the following of the Japanese government.

The Japanese government must officially apologize to the victims of the Japanese Military’s “Comfort Women” and make legal reparations!

The Japanese government must immediately accept the resolutions passed by the various international countries and implement the legal responsibilities!

Pro-war factions of the world must realize that war can never be justified. Instead, pro-peace and human rights policies must be pursued, and violence against women must be stopped!

February 13th, 2008

The Participants of the 800th Wednesday Demonstration
for the Resolution of the Japanese Military’s “Comfort Women” Issue