Taiwanese foundation calls for national museum on women's rights on Comfort Women Memorial Day

On August 14, recognized as International Comfort Women Memorial Day, the Women's Rescue Foundation (WRF) in Taiwan held an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of its "Grandma's House, Museum of Peace and Women's Human Rights." During the event, the foundation, alongside other civic groups, issued a strong appeal to the government to establish a "national-level women's human rights museum" to ensure the permanent dignity and preservation of historical records.

“

The history of comfort women is a collective asset of all citizens.

WRF Chairperson Tsai En-chia highlighted the significance of the day, honoring Kim Hak-sun from South Korea and the 59 deceased Taiwanese victims, referred to as "grandmothers." She noted that over the past decade, "Grandma's House" has attracted more than 145,000 visitors and conducted numerous educational programs. However, she expressed concern over the challenges in preserving historical memory and education, citing the passing of witnesses, Japan's continued refusal to apologize or compensate, and the insufficient inclusion of comfort women and military sexual slavery in the national curriculum.

“

The WRF strongly urges the government to respond to the concluding opinions of the CEDAW international review and expedite the establishment of a national museum.

"The history of comfort women is a collective asset of all citizens," Tsai stated, emphasizing that valuable historical materials should not solely rely on the arduous fundraising efforts of private organizations. The WRF strongly urged the government to respond to the concluding opinions of the CEDAW international review and expedite the establishment of a national museum. They also called for the formulation of a national action plan on "Women, Peace, and Security," particularly in light of recent cross-strait tensions.

“

The foundation has accumulated extensive oral histories and artifacts since 1992.

WRF Executive Director Tu Ying-chiu added that the foundation has accumulated extensive oral histories and artifacts since 1992. Despite years of searching for a suitable venue, the museum relocated in 2021 and adopted a "victim-centered" design. She reiterated the urgent need for a national museum to safeguard this public asset, especially as "Grandma's House" faces financial challenges. The call extends to demanding Japan publicly acknowledge the comfort women system during World War II, apologize to victims and their families, and provide compensation.

“

We strongly urge the government to establish a 'national-level women's human rights museum' to give historical materials a permanent and dignified resting place.