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The Prime Minister in Action
Courtesy Call from the Parliamentary Groups Working on Hansen’s Disease and the Families of Former Hansen’s Disease Patients
November 26, 2019
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (2)
[Provisional Translation]
On November 26, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from the Parliamentary Group for Promoting the Final Resolution of Issues Related to Hansen’s Disease and the Parliamentary Group on Hansen’s Disease Countermeasures as well as the families of former Hansen’s disease patients, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
“Thank you very much for coming to the Prime Minister’s Office today, despite your busy schedules. The Parliamentary Groups here have worked very hard towards the enactment of two laws, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my respect and gratitude to the members.
We have just listened to the representatives of the plaintiffs and the representatives of the defense counsel again and received their request. We certainly take them seriously.
When the Kumamoto District Court made its ruling in June, I decided, as the Prime Minister of Japan, not to appeal against it, but to accept the ruling, based on the stance that we should not prolong the suffering of the families of former Hansen’s disease patients who have endured hardships that are beyond description.
In July, when I heard from you directly of the great pain and hardship that you have been forced to endure throughout the long period of harsh discrimination and prejudice, it left a very deep impression on me.
Thanks to the efforts of the Parliamentary Groups, the Diet has enacted the bill unanimously, with its will to pass it as early as possible. The Government will take the spirit of this law seriously and promises to you that we will work as one and exert our efforts to eradicate discrimination and prejudice related to Hansen’s disease, such as the enforcement of the laws.
I have also heard from the families of former patients, including all of you here today. I intend for the Government to offer support attentive to your feelings, listening closely to your voices, and realize a society where everyone can enjoy peace of mind. With this, I would like to conclude my address. Thank you very much for today.”
