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)