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English>Statements and Opinions>Opinion Papers>Opinion Calling for Relief Measures for the Former Crew Members of the Fishing Boats Suffering Health Effects of the Radiation Exposure Caused by the Hydrogen Bomb Test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

Opinion Calling for Relief Measures for the Former Crew Members of the Fishing Boats Suffering Health Effects of the Radiation Exposure Caused by the Hydrogen Bomb Test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands.



July 16, 2020

Japan Federation of Bar Associations



The Japan Federation of Bar Associations put together an opinion paper, “Opinion Calling for Relief Measures for the Former Crew Members of the Fishing Boats Suffering Health Effects of the Radiation Exposure Caused by the Hydrogen Bomb Test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands,” dated July 16, 2020, and submitted it to the Prime Minister; the Minister of Justice; the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare; the Chairman of the Committee on Health, Labour, and Welfare of the House of Representatives; and the Chairman of the Committee on Health, Labour and Welfare of the House of Councilors on July 20, 2020.



Summary of the Opinion


In regard to the incident where a number of fishing boats, including the tuna trawler Daigo Fukuryū Maru (Lucky Dragon 5), were affected by the hydrogen bomb test conducted by the United States when they were fishing near Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands in 1954 (“Bikini Incident”), the Japan Federation of Bar Associations urges the Government to carry out the following measures to provide relief for the damages suffered by the former crew members of the fishing boats who sustained radiation exposure in the Bikini Incident, as well as for their bereaved families (“victims”).


1. Preserving and disclosing the materials related to the Bikini Incident, and conducting an investigation to have a grasp of the actual conditions of the former crew members of the fishing boats who were exposed to radiation.


2. Making financial reparation to the victims, such as paying compensation for health effects and mental damage caused by the radiation exposure and providing support for the victims’ livelihoods.


3. Providing health counseling by specialists for surviving former crew members of the fishing boats.



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