Home > News > The Prime Minister in Action > July 2019 > Meeting with the Group of Plaintiffs Representing Families of Hansen’s Disease Patients
The Prime Minister in Action
Meeting with the Group of Plaintiffs Representing Families of Hansen’s Disease Patients
July 24, 2019
Photograph of the Prime Minister shaking hands (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister shaking hands (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister shaking hands (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister shaking hands (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (5)
[Provisional Translation]
On July 24, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with the group of plaintiffs representing families of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) patients at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“I express my sincere appreciation to you for coming all the way here to create an opportunity for us to talk.
Those of you here today have also been subjected to extremely harsh discrimination and prejudice against Hansen’s Disease (leprosy); that is a grim and undeniable fact. Consequently, you have been obliged to endure tremendous suffering and hardships over the course of a truly long period in your precious lives. As the Prime Minister of Japan and on behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to offer my deepest apologies.
Eighteen years ago at the time of the Kumamoto District Court ruling, I was involved in this case in my capacity as Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary. This time, I thought that, as Prime Minister, I must properly fulfill my responsibilities, and should not prolong the suffering of the families who have endured hardships that are beyond description. While we decided to accept the court ruling, we will implement legislative measures to provide anew compensation, including for those who did not participate in the recent court case, without ending there. In addition, towards the resolutions of various relevant issues, I pledge to you that the Government will exert its all-out efforts together with you, working as one, by swiftly establishing a forum of consultation.
This time, as the first step of our efforts, I would like to listen to you on your various experiences and thoughts to date.
Once again, I would like to most deeply apologize for the suffering and hardship that you have been forced to endure.”
