Japan's Supreme Court deems forced sterilisation law unconstitutional

Japan's Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling ordering the government to compensate victims who were forcibly sterilised under a now-defunct eugenics law, deeming the practice a violation of their constitutional rights. The decision, a major victory for the 39 plaintiffs and thousands of others affected, highlighted the government's acknowledgment that 16,500 individuals, some as young as nine, underwent sterilisation procedures without consent between the 1950s and 1970s. The court found that the law infringed upon constitutional protections against invasive procedures and the right to equality, with victims sharing harrowing experiences of coercion and deception during the operations. The ruling shed light on Japan's dark history with eugenics, revealing that the law allowed doctors to sterilise individuals with inheritable disabilities to prevent the birth of what was deemed as inferior offspring. Survivors, who have endured decades of suffering, have been seeking justice through legal battles, with the court rejecting a 20-year statute of limitations on compensation claims. The government's acknowledgment of the forced sterilisations and the subsequent legal battles have prompted calls for accountability and recognition of the lasting impact on victims' lives. The Supreme Court's decision also highlighted the ongoing fight for justice by victims, with some continuing to push for higher compensation despite a 2019 law granting damages to surviving individuals. The ruling emphasized the cruelty and unfairness of applying limitations on claims, underscoring the need for the government to address the eugenic mentality it perpetuated. The court's stance against the statute of limitations in forced sterilisation cases aimed to ensure that victims, especially those unaware of the surgeries, could seek redress for the harm inflicted upon them. The ruling has sparked discussions on the need for active measures to eradicate eugenic practices and promote equality for disabled individuals in Japan. The legal battles and the court's decision have brought attention to the government's responsibility in addressing past injustices and providing meaningful reparations to those affected by the forced sterilisations. As victims continue to share their stories and advocate for recognition and compensation, the ruling serves as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice and accountability for the enduring impact of Japan's eugenics law.