Demonstration in Tokyo against proposed revision of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act

On the 7th, there was a demonstration in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, calling for the government to scrap the bill to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which the government is aiming to pass in the current Diet session. An executive committee supported by about 100 organizations working to support foreigners and anti-discrimination activities, such as the Suginami Association for Eliminating Discrimination, called for a total of 3,500 people (announced by the organizer). In the torrential rain, the participants carried placards with messages such as “Protect human rights at immigration!” and marched from Koenji to Asagaya.

The proposed amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act has been viewed as problematic, including the fact that it allows forcible deportation of foreign nationals even while they are applying for refugee status. The ruling party plans to vote on the bill at the plenary session of the House of Representatives on the 9th and try to pass it through the House of Representatives.

At a rally held in Koenji Central Park, Wishma Sandamari, a Sri Lankan woman who died while being detained at the Nagoya Immigration Bureau, was 33 at the time. Don’t give up and fight until the proposal is scrapped.” Myo Cho Cho, a Rohingya minority from Myanmar whose third refugee application was rejected, said, “I fled to Japan in August 2006 because my life and family were in danger. Immigration officials handcuffed innocent people, We will drive them to a life with an uncertain future.The bill must be stopped by the voice of the citizens.”

Wishma’s younger sister Polnima, 28, also complained, “They are trying to pass a bill without investigating the truth behind her sister’s death. I am absolutely unconvinced.” (Isoko Mochizuki)