Ms. Toshiko Tanaka (top right), Ms. Sorane Sakiyama (top left), Ms. Naw Hser Hser (bottom right), Ms. Sofiya kataoka (bottom left)
The CSW69 HRN Side Event on March 12, 2025, titled “Peacebuilding from the Perspective of Women Affected by Armed Conflict,” brought together women’s voices in peacebuilding to shed light on the critical role women play in conflict resolution and peace efforts.
Human rights violations in armed conflicts and military occupations take a heavy toll on civilians. Not only are their right to life threatened, but girls and women are also at risk of being targeted for sexual violence, and effects and damages continue after the conflict. Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325, as well as the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, this event shed light on the situation of women who still suffer from the aftereffects of the atomic bombing 80 years after the war, who are threatened by sexual violence by U.S. soldiers in Okinawa, where there are U.S. military bases, and who are in the ongoing armed conflict such as Ukraine and Myanmar. Also, by sharing lessons from the past, it discussed the way toward the achievement of one of the core goals of the Beijing Declaration, which is “the advancement of peace for all women.”
Hosted by Human Rights Now (HRN), the event made one thing clear: true peace cannot exist without justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in decision-making.
In her opening remarks, Larissa Truchan, HRN Youth Delegate, emphasized that women are not just passive victims in conflicts but active participants in peacebuilding. This discussion was inspired by the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action.
Ms. Truchan also shared HRN’s 2025 activities which she raised concerns on peace and security on the behalf of HRN, inter alia, at the 63rd Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), the Civil Society Town Hall with the President of the General Assembly, and the 3rd Meeting of State Parties to the Treaty of Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
Sofiya Kataoka, born in Kyiv, Ukraine and a board member of NPO KRAIANY in Japan, shared how she and her family were personally affected and provided an account of Russia’s long-standing aggression over a century ago. Since 2014, the full-scale invasion has led to: mass graves and torture chambers, where activists are killed and buried in secret; the systemic rape of women and girls, used as a weapon of genocide; the abduction of over 20,000 Ukrainian children, deported to Russia, and separated from their families forever; and the displacement of millions, lived in poverty as homes, schools, and hospitals are destroyed by bombings.
Russia’s so-called “peace plan” is not a negotiation – it is an attempt to erase Ukraine. She strongly urged that individuals must be held accountable for their war crimes.
Naw Hser Hser, a leading advocate from the Women’s League of Burma, director of Karen Women’s Organization (KWO), and former council member of the Asia Pacific Women, Law and Development (APWLD), highlighted how Myanmar’s military coups from 2012 to 2021 have used sexual violence as a weapon of war, particularly against women and children. The patriarchal nature of peace processes has excluded adequate female representation, a situation worsened by recent US funding cuts that previously assisted survivors with legal aids, basic needs, and rehabilitation. Due to continued efforts, women’s participation in peace talks has increased to 25.5% over the years with a push for at least 30%, but a higher percentage is necessary to attain sustainable peace and justice.
Sorane Sakihama, a young Okinawan woman and law student at Keio University, exposed violence and injustices, including sex crimes, kidnaps, and murders, committed by the U.S. military personnel in Okinawa since 1972. From the age of 13 to now 23, she has witnessed the struggles of her grandparents and older Okinawan generations in rallies and protests with promise, “We won’t repeat it again, we fight for our children and grandchildren.” Despite these efforts, cases of sexual violence continue, including a rape case in 2023 that the authorities failed to report for six months. Ms. Sakihama made an urgent call for: recognition of privilege acknowledging that Okinawa remains under the protection of Japan; legal reforms to the 1960 Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which prevents U.S. military personnel from prosecution in Japan; and greater awareness raising and sharing in mainland Japan and worldwide to protect women in occupied areas.
A powerful video message from Toshiko Tanaka, the last voices of Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor, underscored the long-term suffering of nuclear victims. She recalled: the horrors of atomic bombing, including massive casualties, radiation-related illnesses; the profound trauma affecting women socially, mentally and physically; the stigma survivors suffered as social outcasts due to cancer, birth defects, mental health struggles, and reproductive health issues. She expressed high hope for a nuclear free world through Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and urged that we must act together now.
In her closing remarks: Kazuko Ito, Vice President of HRN, reflected on her participation in the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women. Despite international recognition, little progress has been made in conflict negotiations, without respect for the rule of law, human rights, justice, accountability, and women’s participation.
Ms. Ito called for an end to the Era of Crisis and the world’s obsession with nuclear weapons. Her powerful call to action urged:
- Standing in solidarity and remembering women in GAZA.
- Recognizing women at the forefront of peacebuilding – in Ukraine, Myanmar, Okinawa, and Hiroshima.
- Supporting women’s participation in peace and human rights policies under the UN leadership, including holding perpetrators to account.
What we can do together:
- Raise awareness and share these stories—silence is complicity
- Support organizations that provide aid to war-affected women and children
- Demand policy changes to include women in peace negotiations
~Women’s voices are not just necessary – they are the key to lasting peace~
【Panelists’ Profiles】
Toshiko Tanaka
An A-bomb survivor living in Higashi Ward, Hiroshima, she is also known as a wall cloisonne enamel artist.
On August 6, 1945, at the age of 6, she was exposed to the atomic bombing in the Ushita district of Hiroshima City, approximately 2.3 km from the hypocenter. She suffered burns on her right arm, head, and neck, and also suffered health problems due to the effects of radiation. Since then, she has overcome postwar difficulties and continues to appeal for the abolition of nuclear weapons. She has participated in several Peace Boat round-the-world voyages and has given lectures in various parts of the world, spreading the message of nuclear abolition throughout the world.
Naw Hser Hser
Naw Hser Hser is the former Secretary-General of the Women’s League of Burma. Currently, she is the Political Initiative and Advocacy Delegate of the Women’s League. She is also one of the representatives of the Women’s League of Burma in the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC).
I addition, Naw Hser Hser is currently serving as a member advocacy director of her mother organization, Karen Women’s Organization (KWO). At the same time, she is a regional council member of the Asia Pacific Women, Law and Development (APWLD) in 2020-2023. She is also the advisory board member of Urgent Action Fund – the Asia Pacific.
In 2019, Naw Hser Hser joined the delegation of the Karen National Union ( KNU ) at the union Peace Conference -21st Century Panglong. During the conference, she led the NCA -S EAOs delegations in the political sector to advocate for gender equality and women’s participation at all levels of the decision-making process.From 2015-2017, Naw Hser Hser also served on the technical support Team for KNU’s participation in Peace Process.
Since joining Karen Women’s Organization (KWO) in 2008, she has been advocating for human rights, women’s rights, justice, and accountability, and ending the system of impunity for over 15 years. she has also advocated for ethnic equality and self-determination and has taken part in the political process within the Karen state as well as at national, regional, and international levels. For her commitment and dedication, she received Pdoh Mahn Shar Lah Phan Karen Young Leader Award from the phan foundation in 2018.
Sofiya Kataoka
Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sofiya has called Japan her home since arriving with family in 1993.
As a board member of NPO KRAIANY (Association of friendship Japan-Ukraine), Sofiya actively engages in initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper and more accurate understanding of Ukraine’s current situation. Through the organization’s initiatives, she is particularly engaged in the projects that provide crucial support such as rehabilitation aid for the injured and sending essential medical supplies, including ambulances, to Ukraine.
NPO KRAIANY stands as a beacon of solidarity and support bridging the cultures of Japan and Ukraine. At the heart of NPO KRAIANY’s mission is a dedication to deepening the understanding of Ukraine’s culture, history, and current affairs within Japan. Beyond cultural exchange, NPO KRAIANY is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts to support Ukraine during challenging times. This includes initiatives such as providing rehabilitation support for those affected by Russian invasion, sending essential medical supplies and equipment, and building bomb shelters that allow children to safely continue their educational programs in Ukraine.
Sorane Sakihama
Born in Okinawa. Enrolled in the Department of Law, Keio University.
Sorane has participated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ TOFU Project in 2021 and 2022, and visited the U.S. in 2023. She spoke with Governor Tamaki at the Talk Caravan organized by Okinawa Prefecture in January and November 2024. She has delivered a speech at the Okinawa Prefectural People’s Convention held in December 2024 to protest against the assault of a young girl by an U.S. soldier calling for the prevention of recurrence of sex crimes committed by U.S. military personnel. Through social media, she disseminates information about the damage caused by the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, U.S. military base issues, and elections.
Moderator: Larissa Truchan (Human Rights Now’s NY Youth Representative)
Commentator: Kazuko Ito (Vice President of Human Rights Now/Attorney at law)
*To watch the recording, click here