NZ axes plan for WW2 sex slaves statue after Japan protest
Summary
New Zealand has canceled plans to build a statue in Auckland honoring women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War Two. The decision came after protests from the Japanese embassy, concerns about community support, and worries about causing divisions in New Zealand’s multicultural society.Key Facts
- The proposed statue was to represent "comfort women," women and girls forced into sexual slavery by Japan in WWII.
- More than 200,000 women, mostly Korean, but also from China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan, were affected.
- The statue was donated by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance, a non-government group.
- The Japanese embassy warned that the statue could harm diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Japan.
- Auckland Council staff recommended rejecting the statue due to lack of community support in public consultations.
- The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board voted against the statue’s installation in a public garden.
- Japan’s Ambassador said Japan acknowledges the issue but prefers diplomatic talks with Korea over public monuments.
- Local New Zealand groups supporting the statue said its rejection was a loss for healing and honoring survivors.
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