UNCHR to adopt resolution on sexual violence

The UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) is expected to adopt a resolution supporting the report made by Ladika Kumara Swami, UN Special Rapporteur, which recommends that all persons suspected of sexual crimes against women should be indicted and placed on trial. The report also included a demand for punishment of all individuals responsible for the Japanese comfort women issue.

It has been confirmed that the joint recommendation made by 39 nations including Korea regarding the resolution to prevent violence towards women will be presented at the 57th session of the UNCHR and will be passed without a vote by all 53 nations that are members of the commission.

In the resolution, it has been reiterated that all UN member nations have the obligation to deliver those responsible for crimes related to genocide, infringement of human rights and war, while also abrogating immunity from such crimes.

In particular, in the first Article of the resolution, there is a demand to the Japanese government to acknowledge legal responsibility and provide compensation to the victims in relation to the comfort women issue. Strong demands are also made for the punishment of the individuals responsible for the management of comfort women. This report made by the Special Rapporteur is receiving favorable comments.