EMRIP16: Item 3 – Study on the impact of militarization on the rights of Indigenous Peoples by Shinako Oyakawa

Item 3 Study on the impact of militarization on the rights of Indigenous Peoples
Shinako Oyakawa (ACSILs)

グスーヨー チューガナビラ Thanks Madam chair.

I am Shinako Oyakawa from Ryukyu/Okinawa.　The Ryukyu was once an independent kingdom but now the most heavily militarized region in Japan. 70% of all dedicated U.S. military facilities in Japan are concentrated in Okinawa Prefecture, despite it covering only 0.6% of the country’s land area. Ryukyu/Okinawa bears a burden that is almost 400 times greater than that of mainland Japan.

We’ve faced various forms of suffering for generations. Land confiscation, noise pollutions, accidents of military crafts, as well as crimes committed by U.S. military personnel, including murder, robbery, and rape. Moreover, there are contamination of our drinking water with PFAS, the illegal dumping of dioxins and bullets. These issues have a particularly severe impact on women, children, and the disabled.

Due to the Status of Forces Agreement, 90% of cases involving U.S. military personnel go unprosecuted, and there is a lack of accountability for military accidents and pollution. Furthermore, despite the will of the IPs and the results of a referendum, the construction of new US military bases are currently underway.

Additionally, Japanese Self-Defense Forces bases are being established one after another on Ryukyu islands. Okinawa has experienced the horrors of war in the past, losing a quarter of its population. We cannot accept that our islands will be transformed into battle field once again. The militarization is　eroding the way of IP life and environment. These realities are a violation of Articles 25 to 30 of the UNDRIPs.

　ニフェーデービル、Thank you very much.

Click here to download the full statement of ACSILs on Item 3 in English and Japanese