Groups of former 'comfort women' have supported plans for the tribunal, saying their dignity could be restored only by the identification of perpetrators and their punishment. Matsui said the tribunal would help right a historical wrong. Girls as young as 15 were taken, submitted to sexual violence, frequently for a prolonged period and abandoned or murdered as the imperial army retreated. The mother of one hanged herself after pleading unsuccessfully with the military to release her daughter. Matsui said Asian 'comfort women', apart from bearing psychological and physical wounds from the war, continue to silently bear, without redress, the ostracism and shame as wartime sex slaves.
Sexual violence is so painful for the victims.
But at last they are beginning to speak up. The Japanese government has expressed remorse on the 'comfort women' issue and rejects reparations, but has put up a much-criticised 'private fund' for women funded by donations. Matsui hopes the ICC would in the future treat abuses against women in conflict a war crime. Alison Dickens Copyright IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved.