March 11, 2016 – Experts from the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women raised concerns about the agreement between Japan and South Korea as regards the ‘comfort women’, stating that the agreement “falls short of meeting the demands of survivors.” Neither the survivors nor the organizations representing them for decades were consulted in preparation of the agreement. Experts pointed out that “[i]t is the responsibility of States to put an end to impunity by condemning and addressing sexual and other violence against women and girls used as a war weapon, and by upholding women victims’ right to redress.” The experts also noted that the agreement between the two nations fails to meet standards of State accountability for gross human rights violations and did not follow a proper consultation process. To read more, visit the OHCHR website here.
