Japan’s Eugenic Law Victims share Stories of Forced Sterilization at UN

⁣ Updated June 13,2025

NEW YORK – Victims of Japan’s Eugenic Protection Law,which led to the forced sterilization of thousands,shared ‍their personal stories at a United Nations side event on June⁤ 10. The event, coinciding with the Conference of Parties on the Convention of the Rights ⁤of People with⁣ Disabilities, aimed⁢ to highlight the ongoing struggle against eugenics-based discrimination and advocate for a more inclusive society.

The Eugenic Protection⁤ Law, enacted in 1948 and repealed in 1996, resulted in an‍ estimated 25,000 people with ⁢disabilities, or perceived⁣ disabilities, ‍being forcibly sterilized without their consent. the Japan⁤ Disability ⁢Forum and legal ‍defense teams hosted the event‍ to shed light on the law’s devastating impact and push for ⁤global action against similar ideologies.

Hiroshi Tamon, a⁤ lawyer representing victims, conveyed his message through sign language, ⁣emphasizing the importance of sharing ‍the experiences of Japanese victims to inspire global efforts to eliminate eugenics‍ ideology and forced sterilization worldwide.

In ⁤2018, Kita Saburo, a victim of the law, filed a ⁤lawsuit⁣ and was awarded compensation. This‍ victory spurred further legal action, culminating in a Supreme ⁤Court ruling that declared the Eugenic Protection law ‍unconstitutional and mandated compensation for victims. However,the initial compensation amount was deemed insufficient,leading to further legal challenges‍ in 2024.

The Japanese Prime Minister has as issued an apology and pledged to eliminate discrimination and strengthen educational efforts. A government initiative, the Headquarters for the Promotion ⁤of Measures toward the Realization of a Coexisting Society Free from Prejudice and Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, was established, along with an action plan to promote inclusivity and ensure compensation for ⁢victims and ⁤their spouses.

As of‍ January 2025,victims were⁤ eligible for⁢ 15 million yen (approximately $103,000 USD) in compensation. Though, by⁣ the end of April, only a small fraction of those affected, around⁢ 1.5%, had applied.The government and disability groups are collaborating to improve communication ⁢and outreach to ensure more ⁢victims can access⁢ information and receive compensation.

Kita Saburo shared his personal story of being subjected to forced sterilization at the age ⁤of 14 while in a juvenile detention facility. He was not given a clear description of the procedure, only told⁣ that a “bad part” ⁤would be removed.‍ He later learned the surgery would ⁣prevent him from having children.

“Eugenic surgery is a tragedy that cannot be⁢ undone,” Kita saeid. ⁢”I want to reduce the number of⁤ people‍ who suffered the way⁣ I ⁢did, even if it’s ⁢just by one. That’s why I‍ have chosen to speak out today and share my story and feelings with the world… I sincerely hope that Japan and the entire world will become⁤ a society where everyone can make decisions for themselves.”

Keiko Onoue, Takashi ‍Onoue, and Yumi⁣ Suzuki also shared their experiences via video letters during the event.

What’s next

Advocates are pushing for increased awareness and ⁣broader access to compensation for victims of the Eugenic Protection Law, and also continued efforts to combat eugenics-based discrimination globally.