The 2000 Tokyo Tribunal — The Women's International War Crimes Tribunal on Japan’s Military Sexual Slavery
AMA Museum Special Exhibition: The 2000 Tokyo Tribunal — The Women's International War Crimes Tribunal on Japan’s Military Sexual Slavery
Recent armed conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine War and the Israel-Palestine War, have sparked public attention regarding war and international law.
In December 2000, "The Women's International War Crimes Tribunal," also known as the 2000 Tokyo Tribunal, was held in Tokyo, Japan, to seek justice for the victims of the Japanese military's "comfort women" system during World War II.
The AMA Museum, affiliated with the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation, has specially curated the "The 2000 Tokyo Tribunal—The Women's International War Crimes Tribunal" Special Exhibition running from July 20 to December 31, 2024.
Utilizing materials such as texts, videos, press releases, photographs, flyers, and pop-up books, the exhibition reviews the tribunal's journey from preparation to trial, as well as the participation of the Taiwan organizing coalition. It further extends to reflections on modern warfare and international criminal law, allowing visitors to understand the historical significance and impact of the Women's International War Crimes Tribunal.
The 1946 International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo Trials) failed to address the issue of wartime sexual violence against "comfort women," did not hold the Emperor accountable, and lacked representation from colonized nations. To return justice to the victims of the "comfort women" system during WWII, the "International Organizing Committee" was formed in 1998. In December 2000, the Women's International War Crimes Tribunal was held in Tokyo, attended by over 1,200 people from 30 countries, with survivors from 6 victimized countries testifying to put Japan's "comfort women" system on trial. The final judgment was announced in December 2001 at the International Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
Although “the Women's International War Crimes Tribunal" lacked legal binding power, its importance lies in centering "victims/women." Through the collaborative power of global citizens, it sought justice for "comfort women" survivors and pursued the war crimes and responsibilities of the Japanese government and the Emperor. As the first "women's" tribunal approached from a gender perspective, it holds epoch-making significance and representativeness. It has had a profound impact on the law, "comfort women" survivors, survivor support groups worldwide, Japanese society, and the international demonstration of feminism, the practice of justice, and civic power.
The exhibition covers the preparation and establishment of the "2000 Tokyo Tribunal" and the historical records of the Taiwan Action Coalition supporting the comfort women. Led by Chuang Kuo-ming, former chairman of the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation, the Taiwan Action Coalition conducted street petition campaigns in Taiwan in 2000, garnering support from over 3,000 people and 30 legislators. On November 29, they held a simultaneous international protest at the Japan Interchange Association in Taipei. On December 5, a Taiwan delegation of 57 people, including 12 "comfort women" Amas (grandmas), traveled to Japan to attend the tribunal.
During the trial, the victims' emotional testimonies were unforgettable. The defense provided by the Taiwanese delegation's lawyers—Liao Ying-chih, Huang Chao-yuan, and Yu Mei-nu—elevated the Amas' self-worth and transformed their psychological state. They became increasingly able to face the public with their identities, hoping their traumatic historical experiences could serve as effective educational materials so that future generations would not repeat the same mistakes.
The special exhibition displays precious related historical materials through texts, videos, press releases, photos, flyers, and pop-up books. It also features an interactive Q&A area explaining international legal concepts such as "War Crimes," "Crimes Against Humanity," "Genocide," and "Crime of Aggression," citing relevant war events.
Through this special exhibition, we hope to enable more people to understand the historical significance of the " The 2000 Tokyo Tribunal" and the severe harm and impact of war on women and human rights, inspiring the public to reflect on and pay attention to war-related issues.
Exhibition Details:
Date: July 20 to December 31, 2024
Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: AMA Museum for Peace and Women's Human Rights Museum (5F., No. 32, Sec. 3, Chengde Rd., Datong Dist., Taipei City)