Statement to Protest Knife Killing of People with Disabilities in Sagamihara, JAPAN
Tokyo, July 27, 2016
Statement to Protest Knife
Killing of People with Disabilities in Sagamihara, JAPAN
Midori Hirano
Chairperson, DPI-JAPAN
We, DPI-JAPAN, work with
cross disability populations to advocate for society where people with and
without disabilities can live equally. DPI-JAPAN is the organization of people
with disabilities and has 91 affiliates across Japan.
The tragedy of knife
killing occurred on July 26, 2016 at institution for persons with disabilities in
Sagamihara city. We express our deepest
condolence to the victims who lost their lives and sympathy to those who were
injured.
Many details were still unclear till further investigation. However, some
media reported that the suspect entered the institution during the midnight and
attacked. There was also a report that the suspect was saying that “It is
better OFF without people with disabilities” to the Kanagawa Police
investigation. If this was true, the act is purely caused by the eugenics that
questions the existence of persons with disabilities. We, DPI-JAPAN, reaffirm our commitment to
fight against eugenics with great anger and grief.
During the recent years, there are increased incidents of hate crime and
hate speech against persons with disabilities and other minority groups. This
particular incident should not be overlooked. Now, more than ever, the need to create an inclusive society which does
not allow hate crime or hate speech.
Since the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities in 2014 and the effectuation of the Act for Eliminating
Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities in April this year, there have
been many efforts put in to create inclusive society that does not divide
people whether having disability or not.
We will commit ourselves without falter to ensuring the life and dignity
of persons with disabilities are protected and to be able to exercise their
rights.
Lastly, there were some media reporting of history of hospitalization of
the suspect. However, we request media to refrain from reporting the
unconfirmed facts which only increase prejudice and prejudgment.
▽ Statement to Protest Knife
Killing of People with Disabilities in Sagamihara, JAPAN(WORD)
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