MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government should fulfill its treaty obligations under the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Senator Risa Hontiveros said through a Senate Resolution No. 539 she filed urging the national government to give “just and meaningful” reparations to World War II “comfort women” who suffered abuses by Japanese armed forces.
“Reparations to victim-survivors are long past due. Many of them have already passed away, and the few who remain are in their twilight years, making it all the more critical for the Philippine government to take immediate measures that can tangibly support these women and their families,” she said in a statement.
“As we celebrate Women’s Month, may the bravery of the survivors inspire more women to push back against abuse in all its forms. I proudly stand with these women who had the courage to share their stories, stand up for their rights, and demand justice. Their fight is our fight, too,” she added.
Hontiveros, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, noted that “we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the plight of these women who have suffered and have borne this pain for decades.”
The opposition senator hailed the UN’s decision, ruling that the Philippines failed to provide “comfort women” with reparations, social support, and recognition.
READ: PH failed to aid World War II ‘comfort women’ – UN body
Nonprofit organization Malaya Lolas, composed of Filipino survivors of sexual slavery, raised before CEDAW the failure of the Philippine government to press the Japanese government for reparations which led to continuing discrimination.
The Philippine government, however, stressed that it recognizes the sufferings of the “comfort women.”
READ: PH recognizes sufferings of World War II ’comfort women’