Violence Against Women

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern for women around the world who are targeted victims of violence. It is estimated that 1 out of every 3 women around the world will be beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Women in areas of conflict are in even more danger. We know that rape and sexual assault are tools of war used around the world to terrorize entire communities. Displaced, refugee and stateless women are at an increased risk of violence, and they are often forced to exchange sex for food and humanitarian supplies. These tactics are not new, they have been used as tools of war throughout the centuries and these despicable practices have been ignored for far too long.

Today, sitting in the House Gallery, is Grandmother Yong Soo Lee, a courageous survivor of war. In the 1930s and 1940s, women and girls were forced to provide sexual services for Japanese soldiers. These women are known as comfort women, and Grandmother Lee is one of the few remaining survivors still alive.

Every country, including our own, has made mistakes in the past. At one time or another, each country has had to apologize for actions unbefitting its values and principles.

Since the end of World War II, Japan has been one of the United States' most important allies and we have enjoyed a successful partnership based on respect and cooperation. However, the historical record on comfort women must be universally accepted, without wavering on the horrific details.

In 1993, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono apologized to the victims and admitted responsibility by the Japanese military. Despite this apology, in the past twelve years, government officials have made statements that seem to call the Kono Statement into question. These discrepancies are an impediment to a successful tri-lateral relationship between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Prime Minster Shinzo Abe's scheduled address to a joint meeting of Congress next week is a landmark moment for U.S.-Japan relations. I look forward to hearing Prime Minister Abe speak and it is my hope he uses this opportunity to clarify any remarks that have been interpreted as a revocation of the Kono Statement.

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