Human Rights Now will participate in the upcoming NGO CSW69 Forum and hold a webinar titled “Peacebuilding from the Perspective of Women Affected by Armed Conflict” on March 12. The forum will take place between March 10-22 in parallel to the the 69th session of the Committee on the Status of Women (CSW69) which our representatives will also attend in person.
【Registration】
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oDlGbmjnQ-qVj3R9jQpaxg
Ms. Toshiko Tanaka (top right), Ms. Sorane Sakiyama (top left), Ms. Naw Hser Hser (bottom right), Ms. Sofiya kataoka (bottom left)
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 will 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 will discuss the way toward the achievement of one of the core goals of the Beijing Declaration, which is “the advancement of peace for all women.”
【Date & Time】March 12, 2025 10:30am (EDT/NY time)
【Venue】Virtual（Zoom webinar)
【Registration】
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oDlGbmjnQ-qVj3R9jQpaxg
【Panelists】
Ms. 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.
Ms. Naw Hser Hser
Ms. 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, Ms. 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, Ms. 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, Ms. 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.
Ms. 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.
MS. 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)