Japan Offers No Response on Human Rights Issue

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by the International Coalition for Religious Freedom:

Human rights leaders continue to await word from Shinichi Nishimiya, Japan's Ambassador and Consul General in New York, following their formal request to meet and discuss a course of action to end religious persecution in Japan.

In mid-October, human rights leaders and Christian pastors met with members of the press on the steps outside Japan's consulate to decry inaction in stopping the abduction and faith-breaking of religious minorities. After 15 days, there has been no response.

Dr. Luonne Rouse, United Methodist Church pastor, delivered remarks at the October press conference and was supported by Luke Higuchi, president of the Survivors Against Forced Exit, the Rev. Michael Jenkins, co-chairman of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), and the Rev. Jesse Edwards, president of ACLC.

Several victims of Japanese abduction and attempted deprogramming shared stories and images of their imprisonment. The Japanese government continues to turn a blind eye to this tragic issue.

Over the past 40 years, an estimated 4,300 members of the Unification Church have been subjected to human rights violations. Between 10 to 20 Unification Church members are currently abducted each year in Japan to undergo forced de-conversions.

In the U.S., American citizens are being encouraged to sign a petition encouraging Congress to hold hearings on human rights violations in Japan. Specifically, the hearing would be held by the Tom Lantos Commission on Human Rights, co-chaired by Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.) and Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.). For more information on the Japan abduction issue: http://stopjapanabductions.org/

About ICRF:        

The International Coalition for Religious Freedom is a non-profit, non-sectarian, educational organization dedicated to defending the religious freedom of all, regardless of creed, gender or ethnic origin.

SOURCE International Coalition for Religious Freedom

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED